Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the layer of tissue under the skin.
What is going on in the body?
Cellulitis most often develops on the legs but can be seen on the face and on any
other skin on the body. It tends to affect a fairly large area of skin.
Cellulitis is usually due to an infection of the skin with bacteria, but it may
also be caused by a fungus.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Cellulitis is usually caused by a break in the skin that becomes infected with
bacteria or fungi. It can occur in wounds caused by injury and in surgical wounds. It can also occur when there is no obvious break in the skin.
Risk factors for cellulitis include the following:
recent surgery
diabetes
recent chickenpox
infection
immunodeficiency
disorder, in which the body's infection-fighting mechanisms are
impaired. People with
AIDS, for example, have a significant risk of cellulitis.
impaired circulation, such as
peripheral arterial disease, which limits blood flow to the legs
and arms
chronic use of steroids
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?
Cellulitis may cause:
skin redness
pain and tenderness of the skin
increased warmth of the skin
skin swelling
fever
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the infection diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cellulitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. There
is no single test that can confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, blood tests and
special X-ray tests may be used to make sure a deeper, more
serious infection is not present.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Prevention of cellulitis starts with good hygiene. Any breaks in the skin, such
as cuts, bites, or scratches, should be cleaned with soap and water before
applying a bandage. The area should be kept clean until the skin has healed
over.
People with diabetes need to
be careful with wounds to their feet or legs. Diabetes causes nerve damage, known as neuropathy,
which can result in a lack of feeling in the legs and feet.
Because people with diabetes may not be aware of a foot injury, they should
inspect their feet daily for any cuts or abnormal areas. Diabetes also causes
poor circulation, which means wounds do not heal well. As a result, cellulitis is
more difficult to treat in people with diabetes.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
If cellulitis is not treated, it can get worse. Some cases can develop into deeper,
more serious infections of the tissue under the skin. This can lead to serious
effects, including loss of a limb and even death. Many cases of foot and leg
amputation in people with
diabetes start out as
cellulitis.
What are the risks to others?
Cellulitis is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the infection?
For mild, superficial infections, oral antibiotics, such as cephalexin or
dicloxacillin, are often used. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can
be used as needed to relieve discomfort. For more severe infections,
individuals may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics, such as oxacillin or
nafcillin.
Cellulitis may get worse even with treatment, especially in people with
diabetes. In these cases,
more aggressive treatment may be needed. This may include surgery to remove
dead skin or even bone.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics and over-the-counter
pain medications may cause upset stomach, rash, or allergic reactions. Surgery may cause
bleeding, new infections, or allergic
reaction to
anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the infection?
In most cases, cellulitis goes away after treatment. If treatment is
successful, people can usually return to normal activities.
How is the infection monitored?
The healthcare provider will examine the area of cellulitis regularly to assess
healing. In some cases, special X-ray tests may be used if a deeper infection
is suspected. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the
healthcare provider.