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Can Mold Cause Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. Its causes include various strains of streptococcus. This bacteria strain can be found in humans and in several pollutants and as a part of the natural environment. In fungus growth, this bacterial strain can prove especially toxic with mold increasing the change of cellulitis, especially in children.

  1. What is Cellulitis?

    • Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. This infection may appear on the face or the arms and legs. This condition usually occurs through some type of trauma of the skin in which an opening or cut becomes infected. Bacterial causes of infection may stem from hemolytic streptococcus, streptococcus pneumoniae or staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms of an infection may include swelling and tenderness of the skin, pain and bruising at the infection site, and fever, headache or chills. Additional symptoms of cellulitis may include weakness or red streaks from the original site of infection.

    Orbital Cellulitis

    • Orbital cellulitis is an acute infection of the tissues immediately surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, eyebrow and cheek. In addition to fever and swelling, patients with orbital cellulitis experience pain, redness of the eye, decreased vision and bulging eyes. In children, this condition is commonly caused by the bacteria present with a sinus infection. This condition is also caused by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the sinus cavity.

    Staphylococcus Aureus

    • Staphylococcus aureus exists in the air, dust, sewage, water, milk and food or food equipment, environmental surfaces, animal and humans. Staphylococci are present in the nasal passages and throats of over 50 percent of healthy individuals. Some strains produce highly heat-stable protein toxin that causes illness in humans. (Reference 3) Staph bacteria can grow quickly, developing into mold on decaying food, and other moist or humid environments including stagnant water, plant life, trapped leaks behind walls and more. Exposed broken skin that comes in contact with this toxic mold can lead to a variety of infections including cellulitis.

    Mold Allergens

    • Allergies are immune system responses to something the body believes is harmful. Allergies can be seasonal or triggered by exposure to a new irritant by way of a new physical environment. Some common allergy triggers are pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, insect stings, foods and medication. Exposure to mold may trigger sinus related issues. In the event of a sinus infection that is prolonged or severe, exposure to mold containing Staphylococci could potentially lead to orbital cellulitis and other issues related to prolonged sinus disorders.

    Tinea Corporis

    • Tinea corporis is a skin infection linked to dermatophytes, a group of molds that affect the hair, skin and nails of individuals, particularly children. Sometimes referred to as ringworm of the body, this infection can be linked to sweating, minor nail and skin injuries and poor hygiene. Symptoms of this infection include some of the same for cellulitis, including red, inflamed skin and rashes. While treatment can be handled with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams, complications from this infection can lead to cellulitis and other bacterial skin infections.

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