People can speak with a doctor for further information about cellulitis on an individual basis. All rights reserved. Cellulitis is usually caused when bacteria enter a wound or area where there is no skin. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This condition causes uncomfortable or painful symptoms. In the hospital, you may get antibiotics and fluids through an intravenous (IV) catheter. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, but most frequently affects the lower legs and face. Should your cellulitis progress and result in complications, surgery may be required to prevent sepsis. Cellulitis symptoms include: pain and tenderness in the affected area redness or inflammation of your skin a skin sore or rash that grows quickly tight, glossy, swollen skin a feeling of warmth. 2018 Mar;18(2):160-163. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-160. Healthcare professionals may highlight the affected area of a persons skin with a marker to monitor the spread of any infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is not the same as periorbital cellulitis, which refers to an infection only in front of the eye and not deeper into the eye socket. #Cellulitis Infection healing stages Dr Somesh Diabetic Foot Clinic 1.61K subscribers Subscribe 8 3.8K views 2 years ago iabetic Foot ulcer infection healing stages without amputation and. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Breast cancer-related lymphedema: symptoms, diagnosis, risk reduction, and management. Finally, imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to distinguish cellulitis from another diagnosis, like a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or osteomyelitis (a bone infection). I didn't know what it was and how to treat it. Once the final culture results have returned, your physician may change the antibiotic you are taking, especially if the infection is not improving. Many cases of Staph aureus are now resistant to the antibiotics that once worked. Learn how we can help 4.9k views Reviewed >2 years ago Thank Dr. Vasu Brown agrees 20 thanks How the infection occurs. People can speak with a doctor if they think their cellulitis may be worsening or if they experience a recurrence of the infection. Because it is uncommon for people with cellulitis to discover the exact type of bacteria causing the infection (there is rarely any testing performed to show which type of bacteria is responsible), healthcare providers often have to make educated guesses about what the likeliest bacteria are and base treatment on those guesses. Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. Communicate clearly to your doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing. You may need treatment with different medications, or the infection may have spread deeper into your skin. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. Bolognia, Jean L., ed. It occurs when bacteria get into the tissues beneath the skin. If you develop a red area that is warm, tender, swollen and firm, see your doctor right away. As the condition starts to heal, the skin may return to its typical appearance without blisters. References Cellulitis is an infection in the skin caused by bacteria in which the skin becomes red and swollen. Treating Cellulitis with Antibiotics and Medicine, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid5760888-v4-728px-Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"