Information on Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria that normally exist on the skin. When there is a break in the skin the bacteria enters the wound and causes a red, painful infection called cellulitis. Cellulitis infections are higher in people who have cracking or peeling skin between the toes, open skin wounds, and have insect or human bites.

Cause

• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria cause cellulitis. A skin break, such as a cut or wound, allows the bacteria to penetrate the skin.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of cellulitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, sweating and pain or tenderness around the infected area. The infected area may look red or inflamed, glossy, or warm to the touch.

Risk Factors

• A weakened immune system, diabetes, chickenpox, shingles, chronic swelling in the arms and legs, and a chronic fungal infection all increase the risk of cellulitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who use injected illegal drugs or have skin abrasions due to age are also at a higher risk.

Treatment

• Cellulitis is treated with oral antibiotics. Analgesics, or pain killers, can help reduce pain caused by cellulitis.

Prevention

• According to Google Health, cellulitis may be prevented by preventing skin cracks, keeping the skin moist with lotions, and wearing protective, comfortable shoes during work or sports. If there are cracks in the skin, you can prevent infection by cleaning with soap and water and covering with a clean, dry bandage.

Complications

• Complications caused by cellulitis include shock, tissue death around the infected area, inflammation of the lymph vessels and bone infection. If cellulitis develops on the face it can also cause meningitis.