Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin — particularly the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It can occur anywhere on the body but most often affects the lower legs, feet, or face.
It typically develops suddenly and can spread quickly, sometimes becoming serious if left untreated.
🧬 What Causes Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is usually caused by bacteria entering the skin through a break or crack, such as:
- Cuts, scrapes, or insect bites
- Surgical wounds
- Cracked or dry skin
- Athlete’s foot or other skin conditions
- Swelling (edema) or chronic venous insufficiency
🔬 Common Bacteria:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep)
- Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA, a resistant strain)
🧠 Who Is at Risk?
You’re more likely to get cellulitis if you have:
- A weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation (e.g., chronic venous insufficiency)
- Lymphedema
- Obesity
- Skin conditions (eczema, athlete’s foot)
- Injection drug use
- Recent surgery or trauma
⚠️ Symptoms of Cellulitis:
| Local Symptoms | Systemic Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Redness (may expand quickly) | Fever and chills |
| Swelling (may be firm or tight) | Fatigue or malaise |
| Pain or tenderness in the area | Swollen lymph nodes |
| Warmth over the affected area | Sometimes nausea or confusion (in severe cases) |
| Skin may look shiny or stretched |
The infected area often has ill-defined borders and can feel hot and firm to the touch.
🔎 How Is It Diagnosed?
Cellulitis is usually diagnosed clinically — based on symptoms and appearance. In more serious cases, doctors may also order:
- Blood tests (to check for infection)
- Wound cultures
- Ultrasound or MRI (if an abscess or deeper infection is suspected)
💊 How Is It Treated?
🔹 Mild Cases:
- Oral antibiotics (usually penicillin-type or cephalosporins)
- Keep affected area elevated
- Use pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen)
🔹 Moderate to Severe Cases:
- IV antibiotics (especially if there’s fever, rapid spreading, or compromised immunity)
- Hospitalization may be needed in:
- Immunocompromised patients
- Rapid progression
- Facial cellulitis
- Recurrent infections
🛑 When to Seek Emergency Help:
- Redness/spreading is rapid
- Fever or chills develop
- Area becomes very painful or numb
- Signs of sepsis (fast heart rate, low BP, confusion)
- Infection around the eyes or genitals
🔁 Can Cellulitis Come Back?
Yes — cellulitis can recur, especially in people with chronic swelling (lymphedema or venous insufficiency). Preventive strategies include:
- Treating underlying conditions
- Moisturizing the skin
- Wearing compression garments
- Good foot hygiene
- In some cases, long-term low-dose antibiotics
🧠 Summary Table:
| Feature | Cellulitis |
|---|---|
| Type of condition | Bacterial skin infection |
| Affects | Dermis and subcutaneous tissue |
| Common causes | Staph or strep bacteria |
| Main symptoms | Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, fever |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation; labs if severe |
| Treatment | Antibiotics (oral or IV) |
| Complications | Abscess, sepsis, necrotizing infection (rare) |
| Prevention | Skin care, hygiene, treating wounds promptly |