WHAT IS CELLULITIS?
Cellulitis is a painful skin disorder caused by bacteria. The infection is bound to be anywhere on
the body and can be hazardous if left untreated. Initially, this appears as the discoloration of the
skin and swelling. The area on the skin may feel hot and tender to touch. The discoloration and
swelling spread rapidly over time.
On fairer complexions, the skin may appear red or pink. On darker complexions, the
discoloration could be seen as grey, purple or dark brown. Most often, it occurs on a person’s
legs and feet. However, it may also be seen anywhere on the face or other parts of the body.
Cellulitis usually happens on the surface of the skin. However, if it is untreated, it can also affect
the bloodstream and lymph nodes.
SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITIS
Cellulitis may occur on any body part. It mainly appears on skin that is damaged. Examples
include inflamed wounds, dirty cuts, and poor areas of circulation. The symptoms of cellulitis are
as follows:
o Painful and tender skin
o Inflammation or redness in the affected area
o A rapidly growing rash
o Glossy, tight skin; skin that is swollen
o The affected area feels warm
o Presence of an abscess with pus
Severe symptoms may include:
o Fatigue
o Drowsiness
o Sweating profusely
o Blisters
o Lethargy
It is essential to see a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. This is because if
left untreated, cellulitis can become deadly. It may lead to septic shocks, severe issue damage
(also called gangrene), etc.
A person may be at a higher risk of developing cellulitis if they have:
o Trauma to the skin
o Diabetes
o Poor circulation of blood throughout the body
o Circulatory issues like poor drainage of veins or lymphatic system
o Liver diseases which may include chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
o Other skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, or infectious diseases like chickenpox, etc.
CAUSES OF CELLULITIS
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria. Before understanding the causes of cellulitis, it is vital to
there is an entry of bacteria into the body through a break in the skin, it leads to cellulitis.
Bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus are the main causes of this deadly skin
disorder. A skin infection like this may occur through untreated wounds, cuts, and bug bites.
Surgical wounds also contribute to causing this disease. Therefore, it is important to ensure
proper sanitation before and after a surgery performance.
IS CELLULITIS CURABLE?
Cellulitis is not an incurable condition. With proper medical care and treatment, it can be cured
within a few days. Antibiotic treatment, along with strict skin hygiene and sanitation, the illness
of cellulitis can be cured. Symptoms often start to dissociate and fade away after a few days of
treatment. However, it is extremely important to keep in mind that it is important to not leave
cellulitis untreated. Otherwise, it may inflict severe complications and often leads to death.
