What are the best treatment options for cellulitis when antibiotics don’t work. How is cellulitis diagnosed and treated. What to do when faced with antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA. When is hospitalization necessary for cellulitis.

Understanding Cellulitis: A Common but Serious Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects millions of Americans each year. This condition primarily targets the dermis, the layer of skin beneath the epidermis, which houses vital structures such as blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles. In severe cases, cellulitis can penetrate deeper tissues, affecting muscles and even bones.

How does cellulitis typically manifest? The infected area often appears swollen, red, and feels warm to the touch. While cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, it most commonly affects the legs. Dr. Edidiong C. Kaminska, a dermatologist based in Chicago, emphasizes that cellulitis usually begins with a break in the skin, such as a scratch or cut, which allows bacteria to enter.

Is cellulitis a life-threatening condition? While most cases respond well to oral antibiotics, untreated cellulitis or inadequately addressed complications can indeed become life-threatening. This underscores the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing Cellulitis: Beyond the Visual Examination

How do doctors diagnose cellulitis? The process typically involves a physical examination followed by laboratory tests. During the physical exam, doctors look for telltale signs such as redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin. They may also check for pus buildup or swollen lymph nodes.

What specific tests are used to diagnose cellulitis? Common lab tests include:

• Blood cultures
• Complete blood count (CBC) panel
• Culture of any fluid or discharge from the affected area

In some cases, doctors may outline the edges of the reddened area with a pen to monitor the spread of the infection over time. For suspected cellulitis in the legs or feet, doctors often examine between the toes for potential entry points for bacteria.

The Contagiousness of Cellulitis: Separating Fact from Fiction

Is cellulitis contagious? Generally, cellulitis is not spread from person to person. The infection typically occurs when bacteria already present on the skin’s surface enter through a break in the skin. However, it’s important to note that cellulitis can be contagious if there’s an open wound in the infected area with present fluid or pus.

First-Line Treatment: Oral Antibiotics and Their Effectiveness

What is the primary treatment for cellulitis? Most cases of cellulitis can be effectively treated with oral antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected bacteria causing the infection, with staphylococcus (“staph”) and streptococcus (“strep”) being the most common culprits.

Which antibiotics are typically prescribed for cellulitis? Common choices include:

• Penicillin and ampicillin (Omnipen)
• Clindamycin (Cleocin HCI)
• Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
• Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
• Dicloxacillin (Dycill)
• Cephalexin (Keflex)

How long does it take for antibiotics to work? According to Dr. Kaminska, patients typically see a response within the first three days of treatment, with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness beginning to subside. The full course of antibiotics usually lasts 7 to 10 days, but may be longer for those with weakened immune systems.

Tackling Antibiotic-Resistant Cellulitis: The MRSA Challenge

What happens when cellulitis is caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections pose a significant challenge as they are resistant to many common antibiotics used to treat staph infections. The rise of MRSA, particularly in healthcare settings, has contributed to a substantial increase in cellulitis-related hospitalizations in recent years.

How is MRSA-related cellulitis treated? Dr. Rachel Bystritsky, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California in San Francisco, explains that MRSA treatment often requires specific antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline. These medications are particularly important for cellulitis cases involving abscesses or in patients with risk factors like injection drug use.

When Oral Antibiotics Fail: Exploring Advanced Treatment Options

What options are available when oral antibiotics don’t work? In cases where cellulitis does not respond to initial oral antibiotic treatment, several advanced options may be considered:

1. Intravenous (IV) antibiotics: These may be administered in a hospital setting or through home health care services.
2. Combination therapy: Using multiple antibiotics to target different aspects of the infection.
3. Culture-guided therapy: Adjusting antibiotics based on laboratory culture results to ensure the most effective treatment.
4. Surgical intervention: In severe cases, surgical debridement may be necessary to remove infected tissue.

When is hospitalization necessary for cellulitis? Patients may require hospitalization if they have severe symptoms, systemic illness, or fail to respond to oral antibiotics. In these cases, close monitoring and IV antibiotics are often required.

Complementary Treatments: Supporting Antibiotic Therapy

Are there additional treatments that can support antibiotic therapy for cellulitis? While antibiotics remain the cornerstone of cellulitis treatment, several complementary approaches can aid recovery:

• Elevation of the affected limb to reduce swelling
• Application of cool, wet compresses to soothe the skin
• Pain management with over-the-counter medications
• Proper wound care and dressing changes
• Nutritional support to boost the immune system

How important is wound care in cellulitis treatment? Proper wound care is crucial in preventing the spread of infection and promoting healing. This includes keeping the affected area clean, applying appropriate dressings, and following healthcare provider instructions for wound management.

Preventing Recurrent Cellulitis: Strategies for Long-Term Management

Can cellulitis recur, and how can recurrence be prevented? Yes, cellulitis can recur, especially in individuals with certain risk factors. Strategies for preventing recurrence include:

• Maintaining good skin hygiene
• Promptly treating any cuts, scrapes, or skin conditions
• Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes or circulatory problems
• Using moisturizers to prevent skin cracks
• Wearing protective clothing when engaging in activities that may lead to skin injuries

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend prophylactic antibiotics for individuals prone to recurrent cellulitis.

The Role of Lymphedema in Cellulitis Recurrence

How does lymphedema contribute to cellulitis recurrence? Lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid buildup, can significantly increase the risk of recurrent cellulitis. Managing lymphedema through compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, and other therapies can help reduce this risk.

Emerging Therapies: The Future of Cellulitis Treatment

What new treatments are on the horizon for cellulitis? Researchers are continuously exploring new approaches to combat cellulitis, especially in light of increasing antibiotic resistance. Some promising areas of research include:

• Novel antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria
• Immunomodulatory therapies to enhance the body’s natural defenses
• Topical antimicrobial treatments to complement systemic antibiotics
• Bacteriophage therapy as an alternative to traditional antibiotics

How might these emerging therapies change cellulitis treatment in the future? While still in various stages of development and clinical trials, these new approaches hold promise for more effective and targeted treatments, potentially reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics and addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance.

The Potential of Personalized Medicine in Cellulitis Treatment

Could personalized medicine improve cellulitis treatment outcomes? As our understanding of genetic factors influencing infection susceptibility and treatment response grows, personalized medicine approaches may allow for more tailored and effective cellulitis treatments in the future. This could involve genetic testing to determine the most appropriate antibiotic regimen for each individual patient.

Special Considerations: Cellulitis in High-Risk Populations

How does cellulitis treatment differ for high-risk individuals? Certain populations may require special consideration when treating cellulitis:

• Elderly patients: May have atypical presentations and require closer monitoring
• Immunocompromised individuals: Often need longer courses of antibiotics and may require hospitalization
• Diabetic patients: Require careful foot care and may be at higher risk for complications
• Individuals with venous insufficiency: May benefit from compression therapy in addition to antibiotics

What additional precautions are necessary for these high-risk groups? Close follow-up, education on signs of worsening infection, and a lower threshold for hospitalization are often crucial for managing cellulitis in these populations.

Cellulitis in Pediatric Patients

Are there special considerations for treating cellulitis in children? Pediatric cellulitis cases may require different antibiotic choices and dosing. Additionally, healthcare providers must consider the child’s ability to take oral medications and the potential impact on growth and development when selecting treatment options.

The Economic Impact of Cellulitis: Healthcare Costs and Burden

What is the economic burden of cellulitis on the healthcare system? Cellulitis accounts for a significant portion of skin and soft tissue infection-related hospitalizations, contributing to substantial healthcare costs. A study published in the Journal of Medical Economics estimated the annual cost of cellulitis in the United States to be over $3.7 billion.

How can improving cellulitis management reduce healthcare costs? By focusing on early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic selection, and prevention strategies, healthcare systems can potentially reduce the need for hospitalizations and lengthy treatments, thereby lowering overall costs associated with cellulitis care.

The Role of Telemedicine in Cellulitis Management

Can telemedicine play a part in cellulitis treatment and follow-up? Telemedicine has shown promise in the initial assessment and follow-up care for cellulitis patients. It allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, adjustment of treatment plans, and timely interventions, potentially reducing the need for in-person visits and improving access to care, especially in rural or underserved areas.

Patient Education: Empowering Individuals in Cellulitis Care

Why is patient education crucial in cellulitis management? Educating patients about cellulitis can lead to better outcomes by promoting early recognition of symptoms, adherence to treatment plans, and implementation of preventive measures. Key areas of patient education include:

• Recognizing early signs of cellulitis
• Understanding the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics
• Proper wound care techniques
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
• When to seek immediate medical attention

How can healthcare providers effectively educate patients about cellulitis? Utilizing a combination of verbal instructions, written materials, and visual aids can help ensure patients fully understand their condition and treatment plan. Follow-up appointments and support groups can also reinforce education and address any ongoing concerns.

The Importance of Antibiotic Stewardship in Cellulitis Treatment

What role does antibiotic stewardship play in cellulitis management? Antibiotic stewardship programs aim to optimize antibiotic use, reduce the development of resistance, and improve patient outcomes. In the context of cellulitis, this involves:

• Accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use
• Appropriate selection of antibiotics based on likely pathogens
• Proper dosing and duration of therapy
• Regular reassessment of treatment efficacy
• De-escalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics when possible

How can healthcare systems implement effective antibiotic stewardship for cellulitis? Implementing guidelines, providing ongoing education for healthcare providers, and utilizing electronic health record systems to support decision-making can all contribute to improved antibiotic stewardship in cellulitis treatment.

Treatment Options for Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection, affecting 14 million Americans annually. (1)

Most often cellulitis affects the dermis, the layer of the skin below the top layer (the epidermis) that contains connective tissue, blood vessels, oil and sweat glands, nerves, hair follicles, and other structures. Sometimes cellulitis penetrates below that layer and affects muscle tissue or even bone. (2,3)

Cellulitis usually begins with a break in the skin, such as a scratch, cut, or other wound, says Edidiong C. Kaminska, MD, a Chicago-based dermatologist.

“The skin appears swollen and red. It is typically painful and warm to touch,” Dr. Kaminska says, adding that the legs are affected most often, but cellulitis can develop anywhere on the body.

Cellulitis usually responds well to oral antibiotics. Rarely, it can become life-threatening if it is left untreated or if complications are not adequately addressed. (2)

How Is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

There isn’t a specific medical test to diagnose cellulitis beyond a physical examination by your doctor, followed by lab tests to determine what type of bacteria may be causing the infection. (4)

During the physical exam, your doctor will note any redness, warmth, or swelling of the skin. The affected area will be checked for any buildup of pus (indicating an abscess) or swollen glands (lymph nodes).

Your doctor may outline the edges of the reddened area with a pen and then check it a few days later to see if the redness has spread beyond the original borders. (2)

If the suspected cellulitis is in your legs or feet, the doctor may look between your toes to see if there are breaks in the skin where the bacteria may be entering the body. (5)

Lab tests that are likely to be ordered to determine if there is a bacterial infection include:

• A blood culture
• Complete blood count (CBC) panel
• A culture of any fluid or discharge from the affected area

If your infection is suspected to be a condition other than cellulitis, a biopsy or other types of tests may be done. (2)

Is Cellulitis Contagious?

Cellulitis is not typically spread from person to person. Generally, you get it from bacteria that live on the surface of your skin and penetrate into its deeper layers through a break in the skin. (6)

Still, cellulitis can be contagious if there’s an open cut or wound in the infected area and fluid or pus from the wound is present.

First Line of Treatment: Oral Antibiotics

Most of the time cellulitis can be treated with oral antibiotics, says Kaminska. Because staphylococcus (“staph”) and streptococcus (“strep”) are the most common bacteria behind cellulitis infections, the antibiotics prescribed to treat cellulitis will usually be drugs that target them.

“These are Gram-positive bacteria, meaning that they have a thick cell wall,” Kaminska says. “Therefore, we typically prescribe medication that treats Gram-positive bacteria; the most common being antibiotics in the penicillin family, such as penicillin and ampicillin (Omnipen).”

But, she adds, the decision may be made to prescribe antibiotics that cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as clindamycin (Cleocin HCI) or doxycycline (Vibramycin). Other antibiotics that may be prescribed include amoxicillin (Amoxil), dicloxacillin (Dycill), and cephalexin (Keflex). (5)

Once you begin a course of antibiotics, it should not take long for your symptoms to improve. “Typically you will see a response within the first three days,” says Kaminska. “You should notice that the redness, swelling, and tenderness are starting to go down.” You should continue taking the antibiotics until you have taken all of the pills prescribed.

It will usually take 7 to 10 days for cellulitis to go away, she says. But if you have a weakened immune system, you may be on antibiotics for a longer period. (4)

How Is Cellulitis Treated When It Is Caused by MRSA?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are resistant to many of the antibiotics that are normally used to treat staph infections. MRSA is on the rise, especially in hospital settings and institutions that provide healthcare, such as nursing homes and kidney dialysis centers. (7) MRSA may be at least partly to blame for a nearly twofold increase of U.S. hospitalizations for cellulitis between 1998 and 2013, to 537,000 per year, according to a 2017 report. (8)

Rachel Bystritsky, MD, an infectious disease specialist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California in San Francisco, says MRSA can be a concern “particularly for cellulitis that involves an abscess or pus, or if there are other risk factors, like injection drug use.” To address it, “you would need to use agents that cover MRSA, such as trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin or doxycycline.”

For people who are sick enough to be admitted to the hospital, vancomycin (Firvanq) is the primary medication prescribed, she adds. Practice guidelines recommend adding piperacillin-tazobactam (Zosyn) or meropenem (Merrem) to vancomycin if the infection is especially severe. (5)

Intravenous Antibiotics, Surgery, and More

If your cellulitis is severe, purulent (discharging pus), or affecting certain parts of the body, you may need treatment beyond oral antibiotics. Treatments for severe cellulitis include the following:

Intravenous Antibiotics

“Typically, if a patient is not responding to oral antibiotics, and the cellulitis has symptoms that appear to be more involved and can’t be managed with antibiotics, such as high fever or low blood pressure — systemic signs of infection — then they get intravenous antibiotics,” says Kaminska. “That usually occurs in a hospital setting.”

Intravenous treatment can include penicillin, cefazolin (Ancef), nafcillin (Unipen), and clindamycin, among other antibiotics. (9)

Surgery

In the case of abscess, gangrene (dead tissue), or other symptoms involving purulence, surgery is usually necessary to remove the infected tissue. For an abscess, typically an incision is made and the pus is drained out, says Kaminska. “Antibiotics are not going to treat that pocket of infection. It needs to be released.”

Most times, surgery alone is used to address a purulent infection, without the addition of antibiotics, unless the person is also experiencing a systemic infection or a condition such as necrotizing fasciitis. (5).

Also known as “flesh-eating disease,” necrotizing fasciitis is caused by a quickly spreading bacterial infection of the fascia (connective tissue) and surrounding soft tissue, causing the tissue to die. It can result in the loss of limbs or even death. To treat it, the dead tissue is surgically removed, and intravenous antibiotics are administered. Public health experts believe group A streptococcus (group A strep) bacteria are the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. (10).

Orbital cellulitis, which affects the fat and muscle around the eye, is a serious condition that can result in blood poisoning (septicemia) or blindness. It may require surgery to relieve pressure around the eye or any abscesses that may be involved, as well as IV antibiotics. (11)

Wound Care

You may need special wound coverings or dressings to aid in the healing process after surgery for cellulitis. A wound care nurse or other medical professional will show you how to apply and change them, as well as how to keep your wound clean. (4)

Topical Antibiotics

Antibiotic ointments are rarely prescribed for the treatment of cellulitis, but in the case of a condition such as perianal streptococcal cellulitis, which affects the anus and rectum, a topical antibiotic, such as mupirocin (Bactroban) or retapamulin (Altabax), may be prescribed. (12,13)

Elevation

If you have cellulitis in a leg, you may be told to keep it elevated.

“Lifting the leg for drainage is really key,” says Dr. Bystritsky. “It will help reduce the swelling and help your condition to improve.”

Treating Underlying Conditions

Treating any conditions that may have predisposed you to developing cellulitis, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV or AIDS, lymphedema, or peripheral vascular disease, may help to lower your risk of developing cellulitis again.

Being overweight or obese are also associated with a greater risk for cellulitis, and losing some weight lowers that risk. (14)

What Happens When Cellulitis Keeps Recurring?

If you have at least three to four episodes of cellulitis a year despite attempts to treat it or control the conditions that cause it, then you are considered to have recurrent cellulitis. Your doctor may treat you with a course of prophylactic antibiotics — meaning they are given to prevent infection — for up to a year. The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends that doctors consider prescribing a course of oral penicillin or erythromycin (MY-E) for 4 to 52 weeks, or intramuscular benzathine penicillin (Bicillin C-R) every two to four weeks. (5)

Bystritsky has additional advice for preventing a repeat episode of cellulitis: “Treat nail fungal infections or fungal infections in the webbing of the toes.” Fungal infections of the feet, known as athlete’s foot, typically cause redness, itching, scaling or flaking of the skin, cracks in the skin, and sometimes blisters. Athlete’s foot is highly treatable with over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and powders.

Also, do what you can to keep your skin in good condition so that you can avoid breaks in the skin that will invite bacteria in and cause cellulitis.

Good skin care includes:

• Bathing regularly in warm — not hot — water
• Moisturizing areas of dry skin
• Using sunscreen when you spend time outside
• Inspecting your skin, especially the skin on your feet, daily for signs of irritation
• Cleaning and bandaging any wounds immediately

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

1. Brown BD, Hood Watson KL. Cellulitis. StatPearls. August 8, 2022.
2. Cellulitis. MedlinePlus. April 14, 2021.
3. Brown TM, Krishnamurthy K. Histology, Dermis. StatPearls. November 19, 2021.
4. Cellulitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association.
5. Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases. July 15, 2014.
6. Cellulitis Infection: Is It Contagious? Mayo Clinic. April 12, 2022.
7. MRSA Infection. Mayo Clinic. December 1, 2020.
8. Peterson RA, Polgreen LA, Cavanaugh JE, Polgreen PM. Increasing Incidence, Cost, and Seasonality in Patients Hospitalized for Cellulitis [PDF]. Open Forum Infectious Diseases. February 24, 2017.
9. Fabre V. Cellulitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine. January 1, 2019.
10. Necrotizing Fasciitis: All You Need to Know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 27, 2022.
11. Orbital Cellulitis. MedlinePlus. October 25, 2020.
12. Bystritsky R, Chambers H. Cellulitis and Soft Tissue Infections. Annals of Internal Medicine. February 6, 2018.
13. Perianal Streptococcal Cellulitis. Mount Sinai.
14. Cellulitis: How to Prevent It From Returning. American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Show Less

What Are the Different Types of Alopecia Areata?

There are 3 main types, but other forms exist. Here’s how they differ in terms of their signs and symptoms, plus their causes and treatment approaches…

By Kristeen Cherney, PhDJune 30, 2023

Can Vitiligo Be Cured?

As an autoimmune disease, vitiligo can’t be cured, but it can be managed. Learn about the many effective vitiligo treatments available.

By Elizabeth YunJune 30, 2023

Why Is My Vitiligo Getting Worse?

New or larger vitiligo patches don’t necessarily mean the disease is progressing — it may simply be something is setting off a flare. Learn about the …

By Elizabeth YunJune 30, 2023

5 Tips to Recognize and Manage Psoriasis Triggers

Knowing your psoriasis triggers can help you better manage your symptoms. Get psoriasis treatment strategies to improve your quality of life.

By Chris Iliades, MDJune 29, 2023

Is It Skeeter Syndrome?

Skeeter syndrome is relatively rare, but having it means you’re having an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. You’ll notice a bigger, longer-lasting…

By Lisa RapaportJune 28, 2023

Is It Cellulitis or Something Else?

Red, swollen skin on the leg may be caused by cellulitis, but it can also be a symptom of several other medical conditions, including venous stasis dermatitis…

By Sheryl Huggins SalomonNovember 7, 2022

Cellulitis Complications and How to Prevent Them

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin that is usually treatable with antibiotics. In rare instances, however, complications…

By Sheryl Huggins SalomonNovember 7, 2022

Cellulitis Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial skin infection, can start suddenly and progress rapidly. If you observe an area of skin quickly going from…

By Valencia HigueraOctober 24, 2022

Cellulitis Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Cellulitis is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus (staph) or Streptococcus (strep) bacteria when they enter the body through a break in the skin. Risk…

By Valencia HigueraOctober 22, 2022

What Is Cellulitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A potentially dangerous bacterial infection, cellulitis affects the deeper layers of the skin, below the epidermis. It appears as an expanding pink or…

By Valencia HigueraAugust 4, 2022

See All

Cellulitis Complications and Side Effects, and How to Prevent Them

Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection that develops in the layers of skin. It can cause painful, hot to the touch, and red swelling on your body. It’s most common on the lower legs, but it can develop anywhere.

Cellulitis is most commonly caused by one of two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Both are treated with antibiotics, and the treatment is typically very successful.

However, from time to time, cellulitis can worsen. It can quickly spread if it’s not treated. It may not respond to the antibiotics either. This can lead to a medical emergency, and without prompt attention, cellulitis can become life threatening.

Recognizing the symptoms of cellulitis is important. If you realize the infection is occurring soon enough, you can get treatment before side effects or complications have a chance to occur.

A small cut, scratch, or even a bug bite is all that’s needed for bacteria to break through and cause an infection.

The most common symptoms of cellulitis include:

• itching
• swelling or red, inflamed areas of skin
• pain and tenderness
• tight, glossy skin over infected area
• feeling of warmth
• fever
• abscess or pus-filled pocket

Some symptoms may indicate you’re experiencing side effects or complications of cellulitis. These problematic symptoms include:

• fatigue
• muscle aches
• sweating
• numbness
• lighttheadedness
• dizziness
• chills
• shaking
• blackened skin near infection site
• red streaks extending out from the main rash
• blisters

These complications or side effects of a cellulitis infection are the most common. They can occur in people who don’t seek treatment, and they may also occur when treatment isn’t effective.

Some of these complications are medical emergencies, and you should seek immediate attention if you show symptoms.

Septicemia

Septicemia occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream. In cases where septicemia isn’t fatal, amputation may be needed, and chronic pain and fatigue may remain.

Medical emergency

Septicemia can be fatal. Call 911 and go to the nearest emergency if you have cellulitis and experience:

• chills
• fever
• rapid heart rate
• fast-paced breathing

Recurrent cellulitis

A cellulitis treatment that is not properly treated may return. It may also make complications or side effects more likely in the future.

Lymphedema

The body’s lymph system is responsible for draining waste products, toxins, and immune cells out of the body. Sometimes, however, the lymph system can become blocked. This will lead to swelling and inflammation, a condition known as lymphedema. Treatment will help reduce symptoms but not fully eliminate them.

Abscess

An abscess is a pocket of pus, or infected fluid, that develops under the skin or between layers of skin. It may develop at or near the injury, cut, or bite. Surgery will be necessary to open the abscess and properly drain it.

Gangrene

Gangrene is another name for tissue death. When blood supply is cut off to tissue, it can die. This is more common on extremities, like the lower legs. If gangrene is not properly treated, it can spread and become a medical emergency. An amputation may be required. It can even be fatal.

Necrotizing fasciitis

Also known as a flesh-eating disease, necrotizing fasciitis is an infection in the deepest layer of skin. It can spread to your fascia, or the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs, and cause tissue death. This infection can be fatal, and it is an extreme emergency.

MRSA

Cellulitis is often caused by Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. A more serious type of staph bacteria, known as MRSA, can also cause cellulitis. MRSA is resistant to many of the antibiotics that can treat normal staph infections.

Orbital cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is an infection behind the eyes. It develops in the fat and muscle that surrounds the eye, and it can limit your eye movement. It can also cause pain, bulging, and loss of vision. This type of cellulitis is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Perianal streptococcal cellulitis

Perianal streptococcal cellulitis is a type of infection that most commonly occurs in children with strep throat or a cold. It shows up as a rash around the anus and rectum. Perianal strep is spread when bacteria from the head and throat makes its way to a child’s bottom.

The standard treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics. Injections, pills, or topical antibiotics may be used to help end the infection and prevent complications.

Rest can go a long way to helping promote healing, too. Lying with your affected limb raised above your heart may reduce swelling. This will cut down on irritation, itching, and burning.

Most cases of cellulitis will heal in 7 to 10 days with a regular course of antibiotics. Some infections may require longer treatment if the infection is not responding well. People with severe infections or those with a weakened immune system may also need longer or stronger doses of antibiotics.

What if cellulitis is still red after taking antibiotics?

Signs and symptoms of cellulitis should begin to improve 1 to 3 days after you begin taking antibiotics. However, it may take more than 2 weeks for them to clear entirely.

If you see the red area of infection growing or notice streaks from the inflamed spot after you start antibiotics, this may be a sign the infection is spreading. You should see a doctor right away. A stronger course of treatment may be needed to eliminate the infection.

While cellulitis can go away on its own, the likelihood of complications is higher if you don’t get treatment. That’s why you should seek medical help if you see any signs of infection, such as swelling, red rash, or fever.

If you have cellulitis, are on antibiotics, and see symptoms worsening, you should also see a doctor. Cellulitis complications can occur when treatment isn’t effective, and some of these complications can be dangerous, even deadly.

If you do not see improvement in your infection or symptoms persist 3 days after you begin treatment for cellulitis, you should also return to your doctor for a checkup. This could be a sign you need a different treatment plan in order to prevent possible complications.

There are steps you can take to help prevent bacteria from setting up shop in your skin and causing cellulitis.

Avoid injury

Accidents may not be avoidable. But taking extra precautions to avoid scrapes and cuts during work or recreation can reduce the opportunity for bacteria to enter the skin.

If you’re going to be outside, wear protective gear or bug-deterring sprays or lotions to prevent bug bites and stings.

Clean and moisturize your skin

Dry, cracked skin is an entry point for problematic bacteria. Hands and feet are especially vulnerable. Conditions like athlete’s foot may make you more susceptible. Moisturizing your skin can help you protect yourself. Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading bacteria, too.

Treat wounds immediately

Wash any cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or stings with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment over the area, and cover with a bandage to guard against bacteria. Change the bandage daily to keep it clean and prevent an infection.

Manage underlying medical conditions

People with conditions like diabetes, cancer, and vascular disease may have a weakened immune system. This can make you more susceptible to infection.

If you manage those conditions, you may be more capable of handling secondary issues, such as cellulitis, when they occur.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the skin. It’s often easily treated with a course of antibiotics.

However, if the infection is not treated or the medicine is not effective, complications or side effects are likely to crop up. These complications can be severe. Some may even be life threatening or fatal.

It’s important to see a doctor soon if you think you have cellulitis. Treatment should begin right away to avoid possible complications.

If you think the treatment isn’t working or you see new symptoms, tell your doctor. This could be an indication that you’re developing a more severe infection.

New treatments may be necessary to fully eliminate the infection. Once the cellulitis is handled properly, the infection rarely causes any long-term or lasting problems.

7 myths about cellulite » Farmvestnik

There is probably no such woman who would not have heard of cellulite, would not look for these “terrible” depressions and bumps, would not be afraid that her skin would become like an orange peel . .. so that all sorts of anti-cellulite products are in rather high demand in pharmacies. But which ones are for what? And what is cellulite anyway? There are many opinions on this matter. Let’s try to figure out which of them are correct and which are just myths.

Myth

There is no such disease as cellulitis, so there is no need to go to the doctor.

TRUE

In fact, there is a disease called “cellulite”, but it has nothing to do with the cosmetic defect with “orange peel”. Cellulitis in dermatology is called acute purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue (in general, the suffix “-it” usually indicates the inflammatory nature of the disease!), Caused by a bacterial infection. The main causative agent of the so-called medical cellulite is streptococcus, less often staphylococcus.

By the way, such cellulitis in Western literature is written in Latin: cellulitis. But the term cellulite (in fact, the cellulite, which is most often discussed in cosmetology) denotes a change in the structure of subcutaneous fatty tissue , characteristic of most women – gynoid lipodystrophy (GLD). The confusion with the terms arose in 1973, when an advertising article from one of the cosmetic clinics was published in Vogue magazine, strongly recommending that you get rid of the bumps and depressions caused by “cellulite”.

Myth

Cellulite is a sign of skin aging.

TRUE

Lipodystrophy can develop at any age, starting from adolescence, but more risk factors accumulate over the years:

• these include bad habits, m blood supply and lymph drainage in adipose tissue.

By the way, the appearance of the first signs of cellulite in adolescence is more of a norm than a pathology: such changes are directly related to the level of female hormones – estrogens. When a girl grows up, a hormonal restructuring of the body occurs, and at some point this can lead to the appearance of cavities and tubercles on the skin.

Then they may well disappear on their own, but you still need to pay attention to their appearance, this is a sign of the body’s hereditary predisposition to lipodystrophy. Note that according to various sources, 80–95% of women of the “European” race have such a predisposition, although to varying degrees, but black women and Asian women are almost unfamiliar with cellulite.

Myth

If you drink less, cellulite will be less noticeable.

TRUE

This opinion arose due to a misunderstanding of the nature of edema in cellulite. In fact, their cause is not a general excess of fluid in the body, but violation of its excretion from the skin and subcutaneous layer . If capillary blood supply and lymphatic drainage are disturbed, a lack of fluid can only worsen the situation due to a violation of the properties of the blood, therefore, with cellulite, it is imperative to ensure that you drink at least 2 liters of pure water per day. Moreover, it is clean: some drinks, primarily alcoholic, carbonated, sweet, mineral water in large quantities, strong coffee, etc., can only contribute to an increase in edema.

Myth

Cellulite can be cured with antibiotics.

TRUE

Apparently, the roots of this myth must be sought on the Internet or in misunderstood instructions for antibiotic preparations, in which someone came across the word “cellulite”. Of course, in this case we are talking about purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue – it really cannot be cured without modern antibacterial drugs.

But with lipodystrophy , the unjustified use of antibiotics can only lead to the development of side effects from taking them and the appearance of resistant forms of bacteria, including those that cause various skin diseases, which will be very difficult to get rid of after such a “treatment”!

Myth

Cellulite is the result of obesity.

TRUE

This is one of the most common misconceptions. In fact, neither fat-free diets nor hard work in fitness clubs can save you from cellulite. Of course, on overweight women, changes in the structure of fatty tissue will be much more noticeable – simply due to the fact that the layer of this fiber is much thicker and violations in it affect a larger volume.

In addition, regular changes in the amount of fat contribute to the development of cellulite, when, after losing weight, excess weight is again gained, then they get rid of it, etc. In combination with microcirculation disorders, such constant fluctuations lead to the fact that fat cells (adipocytes) begin to perform their functions of accumulating and releasing fat reserves worse, and their individual cells in the fiber “freeze” with accumulated fat, while others still give it away. There is a tuberosity of the skin, which weight loss does not eliminate, but only emphasizes.

However, the benefits of fitness in the fight against cellulite are still very significant: an active lifestyle helps keep the skin in good shape (while changes under it are less noticeable), and most importantly, it improves both general blood circulation and microcirculation in the subcutaneous layer .

Myth

Anti-cellulite preparations “burn” subcutaneous fat.

TRUE

Some anti-cellulite products actually help to reduce fat reserves in fiber, but they do not directly affect fat. Lipolytic anti-cellulite preparations most often stimulate microcirculation and thus contribute to a more active metabolism in the skin and subcutaneous layer.

Some substances – L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid, a number of vitamins – are involved in lipid metabolism and stimulate it, but the “fat-burning” effect is observed only with sufficient motor activity. Not a single “burner” replaces physical exercises, such funds only help to start the processes of using the body’s reserves to replenish energy losses.

To solve the problem of lipodystrophy, long-term efforts and an integrated approach are required using a variety of means – internal and external preparations and nutritional supplements, physiotherapy, massage, etc., and it is highly desirable to entrust their selection to specialists who will take into account all individual characteristics.

Myth

Cellulite is a skin problem, so it is best to use external products.

TRUE

Cellulite is primarily a problem of metabolism and regulation of blood circulation. Therefore, among anti-cellulite drugs, you can also find systemic drugs intended for internal use. These are:

• various vitamin-mineral complexes (special attention is paid to vitamins A, C, E, B5, B6, F, P, selenium),
• antioxidants (usually also based on vitamins C and E),
• lipolytics,
• venotonics with circulatory stimulation effect – extracts of ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, grape seed and leaves, centella asiatica, horse chestnut, green tea, etc. .

Often the same herbal remedies rich in bioflavonoids, as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic derivatives of flavonoids (primarily rutin – troxerutin, hydroxyethyl rutosides, etc.) are also found in external agents – anti-cellulite gels, creams, ointments, etc. They have a phleboprotective and phlebotonizing effect, that is, improve the condition of the vessels of the skin and subcutaneous tissue , help to remove excess fluid and relieve swelling.

Note that phlebotonics and phleboprotectors are also used for the treatment of varicose veins: problems with microcirculation in these cases are similar, therefore anti-varicose creams, ointments, etc. are often prescribed as anti-cellulite ones. To relieve swelling and improve tissue drainage, you can use external products based on horsetail, ivy, dandelion, horse chestnut, grapefruit, seaweed – kelp and fucus.

How to get rid of cellulite | Family Doctor

The Russian word cellulite corresponds to two terms that should not be confused: cellulitis (from Greek itis – inflammation) – inflammation of the subcutaneous fatty tissue, i.e. phlegmon and cellulite – structural changes in the subcutaneous fat layer, leading to impaired microcirculation and lymphatic outflow. It is the second term that describes one of the most common female cosmetic problems in modern society.

The problem of cellulitis is solved with the help of surgery and antibiotics, and cellulite is the front line for the body specialist cosmetologist. In this article, we will consider cellulite as a cosmetic problem.

The main causes of cellulite

1. Hereditary factors
2. Improper nutrition (a significant amount of animal fats in the diet and a small amount of vegetable fats, an abundance of carbohydrates, a lack of vegetables, fruits and vitamins in the diet).
3. Sedentary lifestyle.
4. Hormonal disorders (dysfunction of the ovaries, adrenal glands).
5. Bad habits – smoking, alcohol.

What happens to our body?

In fact, as well as on the body, we see 2 processes arising one from the other. There are dystrophic changes in the subcutaneous fat, part of the adipocytes (the cells that make up the adipose tissue) slowly die and as a result – apoptosis (cell self-destruction). In their place, connective tissue grows (visually, in this place we see a kind of retraction), which further aggravates lymphostasis (tissue swelling). The walls of the lymphatic vessel become thinner, which leads to dystrophy (damage) of other cells – this is how a pathological circle is formed and, so “hated” by all women, bumps and bumps on the skin.

By the way! In children of the first months of life, we see bumps on the pope, but there is no liposclerosis, because. it is a planned process of leaving brown fat cells (a rudiment in humans).

How to deal with cellulite

To do this, you need to break the pathological circle of the disease. Influencing the mechanism, first of all, it is necessary to establish lymph circulation. The only possible way is the mechanical destruction of connective tissue growths, for example, massage, using special creams. Special creams and preparations used during massage, as well as wraps (useful in combination in the fight against cellulite), are designed to tone blood vessels, speed up the process of removing stagnant fluid, make the healing of subcutaneous fatty tissue fast and without growths of dense connective tissue.

There are many vessels and nerve endings in the connective tissue, so the massage procedure is sensitive and is accompanied by the appearance of bruising. The “correct” bruise is superficial, hardly noticeable, appears already “blooming” and is almost invisible on tanned skin. Given that the work is very superficial with a thin layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue, only local correction of the shape is possible, nothing more.

A common mistake – salon divas tear up purple-blue ecchymosis (bruises in everyday life), damaging vessels of relatively considerable caliber that lie deeper, while the process is located directly under the skin.

Let’s summarize:

• Creams alone are not enough.
• Wraps alone will not get rid of uneven skin.
• Separately taken massage is not so effective.
• You will not lose weight from this procedure.
• Liposculpture can and should be practiced not only before the start of the beach season.
• The “correct” specialist does not leave bruises on the body.

From all of the above, it follows that the problem of cellulite can be solved once and for all only by a complex effect.