How to Cope with Cellulitis

Cellulitis may be any infection of the skin but the vast majority of cases are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Single episodes usually originate from a break in the skin, but recurring episodes are more likely caused by obesity, pressure ulcers and venous insufficiency. Simple cases of cellulitis usually resolve without treatment, but complicated cases can be lethal.

Instructions

• 1

  Be prepared for a hospital stay if you have a serious case of cellulitis, especially on the face. These cases generally require one to two days of intravenous antibiotics before they can be re-evaluated for improvement.

• 2

  Take all of your medication as prescribed and follow up with your doctor when it is gone. Apply warm compresses and elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling. You also may need pain relievers.

• 3

  Use support stockings to prevent fluid buildup. Thrombophlebitis is a common complication of cellulitis in the lower extremities.

• 4

  Exercise proper skin hygiene to prevent recurrences. Diabetics are particularly prone to cellulitis on the feet and burn victims that have received a skin graft may develop cellulitis at the burn site.

• 5

  Avoid possible sources of infection such as ill family members, raw meat and soil as much as possible, especially near breaks in the skin. High-risk patients should use protective clothing and equipment as much as possible to prevent injuries to the skin.

• 6

  Treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot aggressively. Ask your doctor about antifungal medication for difficult or recurring cases.