The History of Cellulitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that is common and potentially severe. Although cellulitis can appear on all areas of the body, it is most common on the skin surface of lower legs. This skin disease was first recognized between 1860-1865 and was termed as an inflammatory condition. Since then, cellulitis has been found to affect tissues below the skin, lymph nodes and the bloodstream. This skin disease, if left untreated, can be fatal.

History of Symptoms

• Cellulitis has been determined by the appearance of the skin over time. In the late 1800s, cellulitis was difficult to diagnose because knowledge of germs was not as advanced as it is today. Currently, the Mayo Clinic asserts that you may be at risk if your skin appears to be swollen, tender, warm or red. Often, a fever accompanies these changes and small red spots or even blisters may form on the areas of the skin affected. If the infection worsens, the reddened areas may expand as the skin disease progresses.

Causes Over Time

• The suspected causes of cellulitis have changed through the years, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most often, bacteria enters the skin through puncture wounds and cuts or in disrupted areas of the skin through athlete's foot or an ulcer. The bacteria is also transmitted through insect and spider bites or through areas of swollen, dry or flaky skin. Two of the most common bacteria that cause the infection include streptococcus and staphylococcus. Staphylococcus bacteria is more serious and commonly diagnosed as MRSA.

Timeless Risk Factors

• Risk factors for cellulitis vary with each person and historically, have varied due to changing environments. The Mayo Clinic, though, has identified a few factors that increase the chance for infection. Age is a primary risk factor for cellulitis. As the body ages, the circulatory system is less effective in circulating blood throughout the body. A weakened immune system also serves as a risk factor and leaves you more vulnerable to infection. People with diabetes, suffering from inadequate blood circulation in the legs are more susceptible.

Progression of Treatment

• When cellulitis was first coined as a skin disease, treatment was non-existent because knowledge of how to ward off germs and bacteria did not exist. The lack of treatment around the eye often resulted in blindness. In modern times, once a physician has diagnosed someone with cellulitis with confirmed blood tests and wound cultures, the most common cellulitis treatment is prescription antibiotics. Most physicians prescribe drugs that will ward off both the streptococci and staphylococci bacteria, such as cephalexin. When determining an antibiotic, a patient's medical history and the potential causes of cellulitis is evaluated first. Once a prescription drug is administered, you should see the symptoms and sign decrease within a few days.

Current Preventative Methods

• Due to the development of medical research, cellulitis prevention is possible today. Cellulitis prevention is similar to preventative methods for most skin infections. If you have a skin wound, wash the wound with soap and water daily, cover the infected area with bandages and change these often, apply ointment or antibiotic cream to protect the punctured area and continuously watch for redness, drainage and pain. Moisturizer will also help to prevent peeling and cracking, another cause of cellulitis. If you suspect a skin infection, it is best to contact your physician promptly.

Battling a History of Cellulitis

• If you suffer from recurrent cellulitis, the Mayo Clinic warns that preventative methods need special attention. It is important to not only treat open wounds but also to prevent injury and cuts by wearing protective clothing, gloves and shoes. The Mayo Clinic also suggests that those with a history of cellulitis consider long-term antibiotics to decrease the risk of skin infections.