What causes cellulitis. How is cellulitis different from cellulite. Can cellulitis be contagious. What increases the risk of recurrent cellulitis. How to prevent cellulitis infections. When to seek medical attention for cellulitis. What are the treatment options for cellulitis.

Understanding Cellulitis: A Common Bacterial Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects millions of people annually. It’s crucial to understand its nature, causes, and potential complications to ensure proper treatment and prevention. This article delves into nine essential facts about cellulitis, providing valuable insights for those at risk or currently dealing with this condition.

The Bacterial Culprits Behind Cellulitis

Cellulitis is primarily caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These microorganisms can live harmlessly on the skin’s surface, but when they enter through a break in the skin, they can cause infections, including cellulitis.

Another less common but noteworthy bacterium that can cause cellulitis is Pasteurella multocida. This particular strain is often transmitted to humans through animal scratches or bites, highlighting the importance of proper wound care after interactions with animals.

How do these bacteria enter the skin?

Any break in the skin can serve as an entry point for bacteria, potentially leading to cellulitis. Common skin injuries that may result in cellulitis include:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Insect bites
• Animal bites or scratches
• Surgical wounds
• Skin conditions that cause cracks or fissures

It’s important to note that not all skin injuries will develop into cellulitis. However, certain factors can increase the risk of infection, such as:

1. Inadequate wound cleaning
2. Weakened immune system
3. Reduced blood flow to the affected area
4. Impaired lymphatic drainage

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Cellulitis

Identifying cellulitis early is crucial for effective treatment. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Skin redness
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Warmth of the skin
• Swelling

In more severe cases, additional symptoms may appear:

• Blisters
• Nausea
• Fever
• Confusion

When should you seek medical attention for cellulitis?

If you suspect you have cellulitis, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly. Cellulitis is not a condition that can be treated at home, and delaying medical attention can lead to serious complications. Seek immediate medical care if you notice any of the following:

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
• Severe pain or tenderness
• High fever or chills
• Red streaks extending from the affected area
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the affected area

Cellulitis vs. Cellulite: Understanding the Difference

Despite their similar-sounding names, cellulitis and cellulite are entirely different conditions. It’s essential to distinguish between the two to ensure proper treatment and avoid unnecessary concern.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a cosmetic concern that affects the appearance of the skin, particularly in areas such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or lumpy appearance.

How does cellulite differ from cellulitis?

The key differences between cellulite and cellulitis are:

• Cause: Cellulite is caused by fat deposits and connective tissue structure, while cellulitis is a bacterial infection.
• Appearance: Cellulite appears as dimpled or lumpy skin, whereas cellulitis presents as red, swollen, and tender skin.
• Treatment: Cellulite does not require medical treatment and is often addressed through cosmetic procedures or lifestyle changes. Cellulitis, on the other hand, requires prompt medical attention and antibiotic treatment.
• Health implications: Cellulite is generally harmless, while cellulitis can be a serious condition if left untreated.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Recurrent Cellulitis

Having a history of cellulitis increases the risk of future infections. However, there are several steps you can take to reduce this risk and prevent recurrent episodes of cellulitis.

How can you prevent recurrent cellulitis?

1. Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.
2. Practice good wound care by cleaning all injuries thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Protect your skin from injuries by wearing appropriate protective gear during sports or outdoor activities.
4. Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns, which can create openings in the skin.
5. Apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites.
6. Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands regularly.
7. Keep wounds covered with clean bandages until they heal completely.
8. Manage underlying conditions that may increase your risk, such as diabetes or circulatory problems.

If you experience frequent cellulitis infections (more than three or four within a 12-month period), your healthcare provider may recommend long-term, low-dose antibiotic therapy to prevent future occurrences.

The Contagiousness of Cellulitis: Myths and Facts

A common concern among those diagnosed with cellulitis is whether they can spread the infection to others. Understanding the contagiousness of cellulitis can help alleviate fears and promote appropriate precautions.

Is cellulitis contagious?

In general, cellulitis is not considered highly contagious. The bacteria that cause cellulitis typically require a break in the skin to enter and cause an infection. However, there are some situations where transmission may be possible:

• Direct contact with the infected area and an open wound on another person
• Sharing personal items that come into contact with the infected area, such as towels or razors
• Close skin-to-skin contact in areas with compromised skin integrity

To minimize the risk of spreading cellulitis, it’s important to:

1. Keep the infected area covered with clean, dry bandages
2. Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with the affected skin
3. Practice good hand hygiene, especially after touching the infected area
4. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for wound care and treatment

Treatment Options for Cellulitis

Proper treatment of cellulitis is crucial to prevent complications and promote healing. The primary treatment for cellulitis involves antibiotics, but the specific approach may vary depending on the severity of the infection.

What are the common treatments for cellulitis?

1. Oral antibiotics: For mild to moderate cases, oral antibiotics are typically prescribed for 10 to 14 days.
2. Intravenous antibiotics: Severe cases or those that don’t respond to oral antibiotics may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic treatment.
3. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended to alleviate discomfort.
4. Elevation: Elevating the affected limb can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
5. Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing of any wounds associated with the cellulitis is essential.

How long does it take for cellulitis to improve with treatment?

While the duration of treatment can vary, many people start to feel better within a few days of beginning antibiotic therapy. However, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Stopping antibiotics prematurely can lead to incomplete eradication of the bacteria and increase the risk of recurrent infections or antibiotic resistance.

Complications and Long-Term Effects of Cellulitis

While cellulitis is often treatable with prompt medical attention, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated or if the infection is severe.

What are the potential complications of cellulitis?

• Abscess formation: Pockets of pus may develop within the infected tissue.
• Sepsis: In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
• Necrotizing fasciitis: A rare but serious complication where the infection spreads to deeper layers of tissue, causing rapid tissue death.
• Lymphedema: Repeated episodes of cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system, leading to chronic swelling in the affected limb.
• Endocarditis: In rare cases, the infection can spread to the heart valves, causing inflammation.

Long-term effects of cellulitis may include:

1. Chronic swelling or lymphedema in the affected area
2. Skin changes, such as thickening or discoloration
3. Increased susceptibility to future cellulitis infections
4. Psychological impact, including anxiety about recurrent infections

How can you minimize the risk of complications from cellulitis?

To reduce the risk of complications and long-term effects, consider the following measures:

• Seek prompt medical attention at the first signs of cellulitis
• Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics
• Follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended
• Manage underlying conditions that may increase your risk of cellulitis
• Practice good skin care and hygiene to prevent future infections

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for developing cellulitis or experiencing more severe infections. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take appropriate precautions and seek timely medical care.

Who is at increased risk for cellulitis?

• People with diabetes
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• Those with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
• People with poor circulation or venous insufficiency
• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• Those who have undergone recent surgery or have surgical wounds
• People with a history of cellulitis

What additional precautions should high-risk individuals take?

If you fall into a high-risk category, consider these additional measures to prevent cellulitis:

1. Regularly inspect your skin for any cuts, scrapes, or signs of infection
2. Moisturize your skin to prevent dryness and cracking
3. Manage underlying conditions effectively, such as keeping diabetes under control
4. Wear appropriate footwear to protect your feet, especially if you have diabetes
5. Seek immediate medical attention for any skin injuries or signs of infection
6. Consider compression garments if you have chronic swelling or poor circulation
7. Discuss preventive strategies with your healthcare provider, which may include long-term antibiotic prophylaxis in some cases

By understanding the nature of cellulitis, recognizing its symptoms, and taking appropriate preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing this potentially serious skin infection. Remember that prompt medical attention is crucial if you suspect cellulitis, as early treatment can prevent complications and promote faster healing. Stay vigilant about skin care, practice good hygiene, and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about cellulitis or any other skin condition.

9 Fast Facts About Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can develop quickly and advance rapidly. It affects about 14.5 million people in the United States every year. (1)

Signs and symptoms of cellulitis include skin redness, pain, tenderness, and warmth. Severe infections may additionally cause blisters, nausea, fever, and confusion. (2)

Cellulitis can occur in both children and adults, and it’s not an infection you can treat yourself. If you suspect you have cellulitis, see your doctor or a dermatologist without delay. Most likely you’ll receive a prescription for oral antibiotics, but in some cases, intravenous antibiotics must be given in a hospital. (3)

Learn what raises your risk of developing cellulitis and how you can avoid it.

1. Cellulitis Is Most Often Caused by Staph or Strep Bacteria

Both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria can live harmlessly on the skin, but when there’s a break in the skin, they can cause a few different types of infections, including cellulitis. (1)

Another type of bacteria that can cause cellulitis is Pasteurella multocida, which is most commonly transmitted to humans from an animal scratch or bite. (4)

2. Any Break in the Skin Opens the Door to Cellulitis

While most cuts, scrapes, blisters, and bugbites don’t lead to cellulitis, any opening in the skin can, under the right circumstances. Such circumstances include the presence of infection-causing bacteria in the wound, but since bacteria are invisible to the naked eye, you can’t tell by looking whether a minor injury may develop into a major infection.

Some of the other factors that raise the risk of cellulitis include:

• Inadequate wound cleaning
• A weakened immune system
• Reduced blood flow to the infected area
• Impaired lymphatic drainage in the infected area

To reduce the risk of developing cellulitis, wash all minor wounds with soap and water as soon as possible, cover cuts and scrapes with gauze or an adhesive bandage to protect the wound, and check wounds daily for signs of infection and healing.

If you see a wound getting worse rather than better, consider seeing a doctor, particularly if you have diabetes.

3. Cellulitis Is Not the Same as Cellulite

Some people confuse cellulitis with cellulite, but they are two completely different conditions.

“Cellulite is often a cosmetic concern, and it develops when there’s fibrous tethering of the upper layer of the skin to the underlying muscle,” explains Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic procedures in Calabasas, California.

“As fat increases in the area, it isn’t evenly distributed due to the tight tethers, leading to a bumpy or dimpled appearance,” Dr. Guanche says.

Cellulitis, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection of the skin, often appearing as a warm, red, tender, swollen area, Guanche says.

Cellulite does not require medical treatment; cellulitis does.

4. A History of Cellulitis Increases Your Risk for Getting It Again

Having cellulitis one time increases your risk for getting it again, but steps can be taken to reduce that risk. (2)

Start by following your doctor’s instructions for treating your initial infection, including completing your course of antibiotics. (5) Antibiotics are usually prescribed for 10 to 14 days, but you might start to feel better after day three. Some people make the mistake of stopping their antibiotics too soon, but if you don’t finish the series, you may not completely kill the bacteria, and the infection could return.

In addition, take measures to reduce skin injuries. Wear protective gear when playing sports and working outdoors, wear sunscreen to prevent a sunburn, limit contact with unfamiliar animals, and apply insect repellent to avoid bug bites. (6)

If you get a wound of any kind, clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water to rinse out dirt and bacteria. Also be sure to wash your hands before caring for your own wound or the wounds of others. Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to minor skin injuries and keep any injury covered with a bandage until it fully heals, changing the bandage daily. (2,6)

Washing your hands regularly to remove germs and bacteria may also help to prevent recurrent skin infections.

Even if you take the above measures, cellulitis can recur. If you have more than three or four infections within a 12-month period, your doctor may recommend a low-dose antibiotic as long-term maintenance therapy to prevent future infections. (6)

5. Cellulitis Isn’t Usually Contagious

Even though cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection, it generally doesn’t spread from person to person, says Barbara Bergin, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Texas Orthopedics, Sports, and Rehabilitation Associates in Austin, Texas. (7)

The possible exceptions are if the person exposed has an open wound or there’s direct skin-to-skin or skin-to-surface contact, Dr. Bergin notes.

Therefore, if you have cellulitis, you don’t have to worry too much about passing it to family members or friends, but you should still make sure no one touches any open wounds on your body with bare hands or skin.

6. Cellulitis Can Occur Anywhere on the Body

Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body. However, some parts of the body are more prone to these infections than others. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in the Los Angeles area and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California, says that in adults the extremities (legs, feet, arms, and hands) are the most common sites. (2)

In children, on the other hand, cellulitis is more likely to occur on the face and neck. (2)

When cellulitis involves the fat and muscle around the eye, it’s called orbital cellulitis.

When it involves the skin around the eye and eyelids, it’s called periorbital or preseptal cellulitis. (8)

Dr. Shainhouse notes that cellulitis often occurs only on one side of the body at a time.

7. Cellulitis Can Be Life-Threatening

Most cases of cellulitis respond well to treatment, and symptoms start to disappear within a few days of starting an antibiotic. (5) But if left untreated, cellulitis can progress and become life-threatening.

“The primary concern for a case of cellulitis is sepsis, which is an infection in the bloodstream that can lead to shock or death,” says Guanche.

Signs and symptoms of sepsis include extremely low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Treatment involves hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. (9)

Some other possible life-threatening complications of cellulitis include osteomyelitis (infection of the underlying bone) and necrotizing fasciitis, the “flesh-eating” disease that destroys soft tissue, sometimes leading to loss of limbs or even death. (10)

8. Diagnostic Tests Aren’t Often Required for Cellulitis

In most cases, your doctor won’t need to perform diagnostic testing to determine whether you have cellulitis. It is typically confirmed simply by looking at the skin. (5)

In the event that suspected cellulitis doesn’t respond to an antibiotic, your doctor may perform testing on a follow-up visit.

This might include a blood culture or a complete blood count (CBC) to check for the presence of bacteria. Or your doctor may perform a bacterial culture to identify the type of bacteria responsible for the infection. A skin biopsy can often confirm or rule out another skin disorder. (3,5,7)

9. Getting a Tattoo Puts You at Risk for Cellulitis.

Getting a tattoo in a studio with properly sterilized equipment and other hygiene measures in place is normally safe. But because a tattoo breaks the skin’s barrier, there’s also the risk of bacteria getting into the skin and causing a skin infection such as cellulitis. (11) For this reason, it’s important to take care of your skin before and after a tattoo.

Bergin — who has seen infected tattoos and piercings — recommends cleaning your skin before getting a tattoo with a skin cleanser like Hibiclens or its generic equivalent, chlorhexidine, available at most drugstores.

“I have my patients wash their extremities with this the night before and the morning of their surgery,” she says. “We use it again to scrub the operative site right before surgery and before the final prep, which is actually done in the operating room.”

She also suggests going a step further and bringing a bottle of rubbing alcohol with you to the tattoo parlor.

“Rubbing alcohol will kill just about anything on any surface. Carry a little spray bottle of it with you to the shop, or better yet, ask your artist about their sterile precautions,” she urges. “If they get all hot and bothered about your query, go somewhere else. It’s your skin.”

Kids Health Information : Cellulitis

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin. It is caused by bacteria – usually streptococcus or staphylococcus. These bacteria live on the skin and may enter an area of broken skin, causing pain, swelling, warmth and redness.

Cellulitis can affect skin on most parts of the body. Often there is no obvious cause for cellulitis, but it may start in areas that have had:

• an insect bite, burn, abrasion (scrape) or cut
• a surgical wound
• skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, scabies or acne
• a foreign object in the skin, such as metal or glass.

Anyone at any age can develop cellulitis. Antibiotics are needed to treat cellulitis.

Signs and symptoms of cellulitis

• Cellulitis usually starts as a small, swollen area of pain or warmth, with redness on the skin.
• As this red area begins to spread, your child may start to feel sick and get a fever.
• They may have swollen glands (lymph nodes) near the area of infected skin.

Cellulitis is usually not contagious, however the bacteria can be spread through an open wound to another person.

When to see a doctor

There is a risk that the infection can spread to the rest of the body, so cellulitis almost always needs to be treated with antibiotics. All children with cellulitis should be seen by a doctor.

See your GP as soon as possible or take your child to a hospital emergency department if:

• the affected skin is on the face
• your child has a chronic illness (such as diabetes) or a problem with their immune system
• your child has been bitten by an animal or human
• the area of redness is spreading very quickly or is very painful.

Most children with cellulitis will be prescribed oral antibiotics, which you can give at home. Your child should respond to the antibiotics and begin to show improvement within two to three days. If the infection does not get better, go back to your GP.

Often your child’s doctor may draw around the redness on your child’s skin, or ask you to take a photo to record the size. This allows you to compare the cellulitis before and after starting antibiotics.

More severe cellulitis may need treatment in hospital with antibiotics given directly into a vein through a drip (intravenous or IV therapy). It may be possible to have the IV therapy at home if your local hospital supports this.

Cellulitis around the eye area needs careful monitoring by a doctor.

Care at home

Always wash your hands before and after touching the infected area, and make sure your child completes the full course of antibiotics.

Encourage your child to rest, and, if possible, raise the affected area.  For example, place an arm in a sling or prop a leg on pillows. This may ease the pain and reduce swelling. 

Pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort. All medication should be given according to the doctor’s instructions. See our fact sheet
Pain relief for children.

You may be advised to make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to make sure the cellulitis is improving.

Key points to remember

• Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that often happens in areas where the skin is broken.
• Treatment includes a course of antibiotics, rest and raising the affected area. Pain relievers can help reduce discomfort.
• Always wash your hands before and after touching the infected area.

For more information

Common questions our doctors are asked

Why do I need to complete the antibiotics if my child looks
and feels better?

Not completing a full course of antibiotics may lead to the
bacteria becoming resistant to the antibiotic. It is important to ensure that
all of the bacteria causing the cellulitis has been eliminated, which is why
the course continues for many days after your child looks and feels better.

If my child gets cellulitis, does it mean they have a
weakened immune system?

Cellulitis occurs in otherwise healthy children
and does not necessarily mean your child has a weak immune system. Cellulitis
often occurs when skin is broken, such as with insect bites, eczema and small
cuts and abrasions. These things occur commonly in children, which is why
cellulitis is common.

Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Short Stay unit. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed June 2018.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit

www.rchfoundation.org.au.

Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment from Healthily

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the underlying tissue.

The main symptom of cellulitis is the affected area of skin suddenly turning red, painful swollen and hot.

Cellulitis can have a wide range of causes, but the majority of cases are caused by a type of bacteria called group A streptococcus, or a different type of bacteria called staphylococcus aureus.

The skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is made up of three main layers:

• the epidermis – the outer surface of skin and an underlying section of cells, which the body uses to create new skin cells
• dermis – the middle layer of skin that contains blood vessels, sweat glands and hair follicles
• subcutis – the bottom layer of skin that consists of a layer of fat and collagen (a tough, spongy protein), which helps protect the body and regulate temperature

Causes of cellulitis

Cellulitis develops when bacteria, or sometimes fungi, move down through the skin’s surface into the dermis and subcutis through a damaged or broken area of skin, such as a cut, burn or bite.

Having a skin condition such as eczema or a fungal infection of the foot or toenails (athlete’s foot) can cause small breaks and cracks to develop in the surface of the skin. This makes a person more vulnerable to cellulitis.

Other known risk factors for cellulitis include:

• having a weakened immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) as a result of health conditions such as HIV or diabetes, or as a side effect of a treatment such as chemotherapy
• lymphoedema – a condition that causes swelling of the arms and legs, which can sometimes occur spontaneously or may develop after surgery for some types of cancer
• intravenous drug misuse (injecting drugs such as heroin)

Learn more in causes of cellulitis.

Symptoms of cellulitis

Cellulitis causes affected skin to become red, swollen, hot and tender.

It most often affects the legs, but can occur anywhere on the body.

See your doctor immediately if an area of skin suddenly turns red, hot and tender. If you cannot see your doctor on the same day, you should go to an emergency medical centre such as accident and emergency.

Certain symptoms can indicate that the infection has spread from your skin to other parts of the body, such as the blood. These include vomiting, fever, rapid breathing and confusion or disorientation. If you experience these symptoms, call for an ambulance.

Learn more in symptoms of cellulitis.

Who is affected?

Cellulitis can affect people of all ages, including children. Rates are thought to be roughly similar in both sexes.

Treating cellulitis

Cellulitis usually responds well to treatment with antibiotics if it’s diagnosed and treated promptly.

As a precaution, hospital admission is usually recommended for more severe cases of cellulitis that fail to respond to antibiotic tablets.

Learn more in treatment for cellulitis.

Complications

In some cases of cellulitis the bacteria triggers a secondary infection somewhere else in the body, such as in the blood (septicaemia). Such cases usually require hospital admission for treatment with intravenous antibiotics (antibiotics given directly into a vein).

Learn more in complications of cellulitis.

Glossary

Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.

Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.

Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, irritation or injury, which causes redness, swelling, pain and sometimes a feeling of heat in the affected area.

Cellulitis symptoms

Cellulitis causes the area of affected skin to become red, hot, swollen, and tender or painful.

Cellulitis most commonly affects one of your legs, although symptoms can develop in any area of your body.

If you have cellulitis, you may also find that blisters develop on your skin.

Cellulitis can make you feel generally unwell, causing symptoms that develop before, or in combination with, changes to your skin. These symptoms include:

• nausea
• shivering
• chills
• a general sense of feeling unwell

When to seek medical advice

See your doctor as soon as possible if an area of your skin suddenly turns red, painful and hot.

If it is not possible for you to see your doctor on the day your symptoms develop, you should visit your local minor injuries unit.

When to seek urgent medical advice

Additional symptoms can suggest that the infection has begun to spread from your skin to other parts of your body, such as your blood.

If you have any of these symptoms, go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible, because you may need urgent medical attention.

These symptoms include:

• rapid spreading of the area of redness
• high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
• vomiting
• changes in mental state, such as confusion
• rapid heart beat
• rapid breathing
• dizziness, particularly when moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing one

Fever A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature goes above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).

Cellulitis causes

Most cases of cellulitis are caused by an infection of the tissues beneath the skin with either the group A streptococcus or staphlococcus aureus bacteria.

See streptococcal infections and staphyloccocal infections for more information about these types of bacteria.

Cellulitis usually occurs when the surface of your skin is damaged. This damage creates an entry point for the bacteria, allowing them to attack the skin and tissue underneath. A break in the skin may be caused by a:

• cut
• graze
• burn
• animal, human or insect bite
• puncture wound
• skin ulcer
• skin condition, such as atopic eczema (this causes the skin to become dry, red and cracked) or athlete’s foot

The break in the skin may be so small that it cannot be easily identified.

Some cases of cellulitis can develop if a wound or other break in the skin is exposed to water that is contaminated with bacteria.

A fungal infection is a much rarer cause of cellulitis. Fungal cellulitis usually only affects people with a severely weakened immune system, such as a person in the final stages of an HIV infection that is not responding to treatment.

Who is at risk?

A number of health conditions can increase your risk of developing cellulitis. These include:

• being obese (excessively overweight)
• having a weakened immune system
• having poorly controlled diabetes
• having circulation problems
• having chickenpox or shingles
• having lymphoedema
• having long-term untreated athlete’s foot or fungal toenail infection
• intravenous drug use
• having previous episodes of cellulitis

These are briefly discussed below.

Obesity

Being obese can cause swelling in your legs, which may increase your risk of developing cellulitis.

Obesity is defined as being very overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

Weakened immune system

Your immune system may be weakened if you have a condition such as HIV and AIDS. Having a weakened immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off infection.

A number of treatments are also known to weaken the immune system. For example:

• chemotherapy – a cancer treatment that uses medication to kill cancerous cells
• immunosuppressants (medications that are widely used to treat people who have had organ transplants to prevent their body rejecting the donated organ)
• long-term use of corticosteroids tablets and corticosteroid creams

Poorly controlled diabetes

If you have diabetes that is not adequately treated or controlled, it can weaken your immune system.

Poorly controlled diabetes can also affect your circulation, which can sometimes cause skin ulcers to develop. Skin ulcers are a common entry point for bacteria.

Learn more in diabetes.

Circulation problems

Poor circulation can increase your risk of developing skin infections in the places where your body does not have an adequate blood supply.

For example, many people with diabetes have a reduced blood supply to their feet, which makes them more vulnerable to developing cellulitis.

Chickenpox and shingles

Chickenpox and shingles often cause blisters to develop on your skin. Chickenpox (which usually only affects children) and shingles (which usually affects people aged 50 and older) are viral infections caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus.

If the blisters that occur in chickenpox or shingles are broken or scratched, it can damage your skin and provide an entry point for bacteria.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a condition that causes fluid to build up under your skin. It may occur following surgery for some cancers. If your skin becomes very swollen it may crack, creating an entry point for bacteria.

Intravenous drug use

People who inject illegal drugs have an increased risk of developing cellulitis, because poor needle hygiene, such as not sterilising the needle before and after injections, can increase the risk of infection.

Previous episodes of cellulitis

If you have had a previous episode of cellulitis, your risk of having episodes in the future increases.

An estimated 20-30% of people with a previous history of cellulitis will be admitted to hospital again with another cellulitis infection. The average time between a previous and recurring cellulitis infection is three years.

Glossary

Chronic Chronic usually means a condition that continues for a long time or keeps coming back.

Immune system The immune system is the body’s defence system, which helps protect it from disease, bacteria and viruses.

Liver The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.

Obesity Obesity is when a person has an abnormally high amount of body fat.

Veins Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the rest of the body back to the heart.

Cellulitis diagnosis

Your doctor can usually diagnose cellulitis by assessing your symptoms and examining your skin.

Before making a diagnosis, your doctor may want to rule out other conditions that can lead to your skin becoming red and inflamed, such as varicose eczema (an itchy skin condition that causes inflammation and, sometimes, skin ulcers).

If you have an open wound in your skin, your doctor may take a swab of cells from the wound to see what type of bacteria is causing the infection. A swab looks similar to a cotton bud and it is used to remove small traces of tissue for testing.

Further testing may be carried out if your symptoms are serious enough to warrant admission to hospital. Testing usually involves a series of blood tests, which are an effective way of assessing the severity of the infection and how well you are responding to the antibiotics. See treatment of cellulitis for more information.

Treatment for cellulitis

If you are diagnosed with cellulitis, your treatment will depend on the cause of your cellulitis, the severity of your symptoms, and the general state of your health.

You can usually be treated at home with antibiotic tablets if you do not have additional symptoms of being unwell, such as fever, nausea and vomiting, that suggest the cellulitis infection has spread from your skin to the bloodstream or other parts of the body.

If this is not the case admission to hospital is usually recommended.

Treatment at home

Antibiotics

If you are well enough to be treated at home, you will be given a seven-day course of antibiotic tablets.

The most commonly prescribed antibiotic for cellulitis is flucloxacillin, which is part of the penicillin group of antibiotics.

The most common side effects of flucloxacillin are mild digestive problems, such as an upset stomach or episodes of diarrhoea.

If you cannot take flucloxacillin because you are allergic to penicillin, an alternative antibiotic known as erythromycin can be used.

The side effects of erythromycin are usually mild and short-lived. They include nausea, abdominal (tummy) discomfort, vomiting and diarrhoea

If it is suspected that your cellulitis was caused by a wound being exposed to contaminated water, you will be given a combination of two different antibiotics: usually doxycycline or ciprofloxacin in combination with flucloxacillin or erythromycin.

When you first start taking the antibiotics, you may notice that your skin becomes redder. This is usually only a temporary reaction, and the redness should start to fade within 48 hours.

Contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse 48 hours after taking the antibiotics, or you develop additional symptoms, such as a high temperature or vomiting.

Self-care

There are steps you can take at home to ease your symptoms and speed your recovery from cellulitis.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If your leg is affected by cellulitis, keep it raised. This should make you feel more comfortable and help to reduce the swelling.

Pain relief

If your cellulitis is causing pain or a high temperature (fever), an over-the-counter painkiller may ease your symptoms. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are suitable for cellulitis.

Treatment at hospital

If you need to be admitted to hospital for treatment, you will be given antibiotics directly into your vein through an injection or a drip (known as intravenous antibiotics).

The type of antibiotics that will be used depends on the suspected cause of your infection, although a type of antibiotic known as a broad-spectrum antibiotic is often used. This type of antibiotic can kill a range of different strains of bacteria.

If your symptoms improve and you are otherwise healthy, you may be discharged after 48 hours and your treatment can switch to antibiotic tablets.

If this is not the case, a three or four day course of intravenous antibiotics is usually recommended before switching over to antibiotic tablets.

Glossary

Antibiotics Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.

Fever A high temperature, also known as a fever, is when someone’s body temperature goes above the normal 37°C (98.6°F).

Kidney Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen, which remove waste and extra fluid from the blood and pass them out of the body as urine.

Liver The liver is the largest organ in the body. Its main jobs are to secrete bile (to help digestion), detoxify the blood and change food into energy.

Complications of cellulitis

Complications of cellulitis can include blood poisoning, abscesses, and meningitis.

Blood poisoning

If the bacteria that infect your skin and tissue enter your bloodstream, they can cause blood poisoning (septicaemia). Symptoms of blood poisoning include:

• high temperature (fever) of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
• rapid heart beat
• rapid breathing
• low blood pressure, which will make you feel dizzy when you stand up
• changes in mental behaviour, such as confusion or disorientation
• diarrhoea
• reduced urine flow
• cold, clammy skin
• pale skin
• loss of consciousness

If you have any of these symptoms, call for an ambulance.

See blood poisoning for more information about this condition.

Abscess

Some cases of cellulitis can result in an abscess forming near the site of the infection.

An abscess is a swollen, pus-filled lump under the surface of the skin. It is caused by a build-up of bacteria and dead white blood cells.

In some cases, the antibiotics that are used to treat cellulitis may also help to remove the abscess. However, if this is not the case, the pus will have to be drained from the abscess through a small cut in your skin.

See abscess for more information.

Facial cellulitis and meningitis

Facial cellulitis is an uncommon form of cellulitis that develops on the skin of the face. It accounts for an estimated 8.5% of all cases of cellulitis.

Facial cellulitis is most common in children under three years old and older adults above 50. If facial cellulitis is left untreated in children, the bacteria can potentially spread to the outer membranes of their brain (the meninges) and trigger a serious brain infection called meningitis.

Symptoms of meningitis can differ in adults, but symptoms in babies and children under three years old include:

• becoming floppy and unresponsive, or stiff with jerky movements
• becoming irritable and not wanting to be held
• unusual crying
• vomiting and refusing feeds
• pale and blotchy skin
• loss of appetite
• staring expression
• very sleepy and reluctant to wake up

Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. If left untreated, a bacterial infection can cause severe brain damage and infect the blood.

If you suspect that your child has symptoms of meningitis, call immediately for an ambulance.

The best way to protect your child against meningitis is to make sure they have been vaccinated with the:

• DTaP/IPV/Hib (5-in-1) vaccination, which should be given between the ages of two and four months
• the Hib/MenC booster, which should be given after the child’s first birthday

The vaccine and the booster provide immunity against two leading causes of meningitis in children:

• haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria
• group C meningococcal bacteria

Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

Glossary

Abscess An abscess is a lump containing pus, which is made by the body during infection.

Antibiotics Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.

Heart valves Heart valves are four sets of flaps that control the direction that blood pumps around the heart.

Vein Veins are blood vessels that carry blood from the rest of the body back to the heart.

Preventing cellulitis

Not all cases of cellulitis can be prevented. But you can take steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

These involve steps to prevent skin wounds, and treating wounds properly when they occur.

Treating skin wounds

Make sure that any cuts, grazes or bites are kept clean. Wash the damaged skin under running tap water and, if necessary, apply an antiseptic cream.

Keep the wound covered with a plaster or dressing. Make sure you change the plaster or dressing if it becomes wet or dirty. Plasters and dressings will reduce the risk of the wound being damaged further, and they will help to create a barrier against bacteria entering the skin.

Hand hygiene

Wash your hands regularly, particularly when treating or touching a wound or skin condition.

If you have an itchy skin condition, such as atopic eczema or chickenpox, keep your fingernails clean and short at all times.

If you scratch your skin and your fingernails are short and clean, the risk of skin damage and infection will be reduced.

Keep your skin moisturised

If your skin is dry or prone to cracking, keep your skin well moisturised. Cracked skin can create an entry point for bacteria.

Preventing cellulitis in lymphoedema

People with lymphoedema (a condition that causes swelling of the arms and legs) have a much higher risk of developing cellulitis than others. This is because the swelling of the skin that is associated with lymphoedema makes it more vulnerable to bacterial infection.

If you are diagnosed with lymphoedema, you may be given a two-week course of antibiotics to take in case you start having the initial symptoms of cellulitis.

If you have two or more episodes of cellulitis in a year, it is usually recommended that you begin taking antibiotics on a long-term basis to protect against further infection.

See lymphoedema for more information about the condition.

Periorbital and orbital cellulitis before and after the advent of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccination

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the introduction of the Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib) vaccine (introduced first in 1985, then extended in 1990 to children at least 2 months of age) on the epidemiologic features of periorbital and orbital cellulitis.

Design:

Retrospective, comparative case series.

Participants:

Three hundred fifteen pediatric inpatients.

Methods:

Children at Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary with discharge diagnosis of periorbital or orbital cellulitis from 1980 through 1998 were reviewed.

Main outcome measures:

Case rate, culture-positive isolates, and associated conditions.

Results:

A total of 297 cases of periorbital cellulitis and 18 cases of orbital cellulitis were reviewed. Before 1990, there were 27 cases of Hib-related cellulitis (11.7% of total in that period), whereas after 1990, there were only three (3.5% of total; P = 0.028). The number of cases per year was significantly lower after 1990 (21.2 +/- 10.4 vs. 8.7 +/- 3.9; P = 0.008), as were the number of positive culture isolates (for any organism) after 1990 (76 [33. 0%] vs. 9 [10.6%]; P < 0.001). The medical conditions most commonly associated with periorbital cellulitis were sinusitis (44 [14.5%]) and upper respiratory infections (73 [26.6%]). All cases of orbital cellulitis were associated with sinusitis.

Conclusions:

The introduction of the Hib vaccine coincided with a sharp decline not only in the number of periorbital and orbital cellulitis cases related to H. influenzae, but also in the annual case rate. These data are consistent with a facilitative role for H. influenzae in the development of cellulitis secondary to other pathogens. They also may support restriction of the spectrum of antibiotics used to manage these conditions.

What Is Cellulitis? | Live Science

Cellulitis, not to be confused with cellulite, is a bacterial infection that typically occurs in the deep layers of the skin.

Symptoms

The skin around a cellulitis infection usually appears red and swollen and can be tender and warm to the touch. It may also look like it has been stretched tight and may even appear glossy, according to Healthline. On top of that, there could be an abscess filled with pus that forms near the center of the infection.

Cellulitis can also cause fever, chills, sweat, fatigue, lethargy, blistering, dizziness or muscle aches. These symptoms could mean that the cellulitis infection is spreading or becoming more serious.

Anyone with symptoms that may be related to cellulitis should immediately consult their doctor, as the infection can rapidly spread throughout the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. Untreated cellulitis can damage lymph nodes, infect the bloodstream, and can even become life-threatening.

Causes and diagnosis

Cellulitis is common infection that can affect anyone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are an estimated 14.5 million cases of cellulitis diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

Adults typically experience cellulitis in the lower legs, although it can occur anywhere there’s a break in the skin, according to Julie Maher, a clinical assistant professor of nursing at Carthage College in Wisconsin.

Several types of bacteria may cause cellulitis, the most common being the Streptococcus (strep), Staphylococcus (staph) and the difficult-to-treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, Maher told Live Science. These bacteria are among many that live on our skin and never present a problem in most healthy individuals.

But if the bacteria enter the body through an opening in the skin, like a scratch or an open sore, then there’s the possibility of infection.

People with other infections such as athlete’s foot, a skin condition such as eczema (atomic dermatitis), or people who have had cellulitis in the past are more prone to cellulitis infections, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Cellulitis is also more common in people who tend to get skin injuries more often — rambunctious children, athletes, military personnel, residents of a long-term care facility and those who use intravenous drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic. Being obese might also increase the risk of developing cellulitis due to a decrease in blood circulation, Maher said.

Usually, doctors can quickly diagnose cellulitis on sight but will perform tests to determine the extent of the infection, according to Healthline. The doctor will assess things like the amount of swelling, the extent of the redness over the affected area and if any glands or lymph nodes are swollen. They might also take blood or skin samples to identify the bacteria causing the infection, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Cellulitis may appear as a light red to dark red or purple rash. The infected skin will swell and feel warm to the touch. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Treatment options

Cellulitis is often treated with oral antibiotics, according to the AAD, with rounds typically lasting seven to 14 days. More serious cases may require a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotics.

It’s important to keep the infected area clean and covered, and to keep it elevated to help decrease swelling — a good reason to stay on the couch and away from other bacteria.

Most cases of cellulitis clear up quickly with these treatments but people with weakened or compromised immune systems might not be able to fight off the infection.

Left untreated, cellulitis can quickly spread throughout the body. According to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, untreated cellulitis can lead to complications including extensive tissue damage and tissue death (gangrene), as well as infecting the bones, lymph system, heart and nervous system.

Sepsis, or a blood infection, is a more serious complication that might arise from cellulitis, Maher said. Once the infection reaches the bloodstream, it can travel throughout the body, wreaking havoc from within. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency, according to the Sepsis Alliance, and even with quickly administered treatment, it can lead to permanent health problems or death.

Preventative measures

Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to reduce the chances of getting cellulitis, Maher said. All you need is soap, warm water and friction to decrease the number of bacteria living on the skin. In general, good skin hygiene will help keep skin moisturized and therefore limit cracks or openings in the skin that might result from dryness. Making sure your body is properly hydrated can also lower the chances of developing cellulitis.

But when you do get a cut, wash the wound as soon as possible with soap and warm water, before applying a protective ointment (such as a petroleum-based jelly like Vaseline or Aquaphor, or a topical antibiotic like Polysporin or Neosporin), the Mayo Clinic suggested. Bandages provide an additional layer of protection from bacteria and should be changed daily.

Check with your doctor about keeping open wounds such as blisters or more severe cuts clean and protected.

If there is a secondary chronic health condition, such as diabetes, then it’s essential to keep up with treatments to help keep cellulitis from occurring or recurring and preventing further complications from the chronic condition, Maher said.

Additional resources:

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Cellulitis | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common skin infection that happens when bacteria spread through the skin to deeper tissues. Most cases are mild and last several days to a couple of weeks. But cellulitis can sometimes progress to a more serious infection, causing severe illness that affects the whole body (sepsis) or other dangerous problems.

Treatment is needed to help control the infection and reduce symptoms.

Some people are at higher risk for cellulitis, such as those who have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or edema. They also tend to get sicker from cellulitis. And they are more likely to get cellulitis again.

What causes cellulitis?

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, most often strep or staph. You can get infected after any event that causes a break in the skin, such as:

• Surgery.
• A cut or bite.
• A new tattoo or piercing.
• Problems that cause skin breakdown, such as eczema, psoriasis, or a fungal infection like athlete’s foot.

Sometimes cellulitis can occur even if there wasn’t an obvious break in the skin.

What are the symptoms?

At first, the infected area will be warm, red, swollen, and tender. If the infection spreads, you may have a fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes.

Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body. In adults, it often occurs on the legs, face, or arms. In children, it is most common on the face or around the anus.

If you have signs of a skin infection, such as warmth, redness, swelling, or pain, see your doctor. Even minor infections may need to be treated.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors are often able to diagnose cellulitis based on your symptoms and a physical exam. In most cases, you won’t need further testing.

But tests sometimes may be done to find out what’s causing your symptoms and to rule out other problems. For example, you may need blood tests, an ultrasound, or an imaging test such as a CT scan or an MRI.

How is it treated?

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. If the infection is mild, you may be able to take antibiotic pills at home.

If the infection is severe, you may need to be treated in a hospital so that you can get IV antibiotics directly into your bloodstream, along with any other care you may need.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions about medicine and skin care. To help with your recovery and to feel better:

• Take all of your medicine as prescribed. Don’t stop taking it just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling. Warm compresses may also help.
• Use pain relievers as needed.

Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if they haven’t started to improve within 48 hours (2 days) after you start taking antibiotics.

How can you prevent cellulitis?

If you are at risk for cellulitis, you can take steps to help prevent it. If you’ve had cellulitis before, these steps may help prevent it from coming back.

• Take good care of your skin. Keep it clean, and use lotion to prevent drying and cracking.
• Check your feet and legs often. This is especially important if you have diabetes.
• Treat any skin infection right away.
• Ask your doctor if you need to take antibiotics or other medicine on a regular basis to prevent cellulitis.
• If you have edema, ask your doctor about wearing compression stockings or sleeves.

Treating Skin Conditions Like Cellulitis and Impetigo: Dermatology Center: Dermatology

Our experienced team at Kraig Jenson, PC, Dermatology Center, have helped patients of all ages treat skin problems, including those that occur underneath the epidermis. Our dermatologists, Dr. Jenson and Dr. Edwards have provided relief to patients young and old for these conditions, including cellulitis and impetigo, for more than 30 years now.

What is it Cellulitis?
This is a skin infection that occurs in the skin and soft tissues below the epidermal layers caused by a break in the skin that normally keeps out bacteria. As the strep (Streptococcus) or staph (Staphylococcus) bacteria spread under the skin, it leads to an infection that can show up as:

– Warmth
– Redness or red streaking
– Swelling
– Pain
– Pus or clear fluid leaks

Cellulitis often shows up in adults in the lower legs, and people who have athlete’s foot, eczema or have had cellulitis before are more susceptible. Signs that it might be spreading or worsening include fever, chills, fatigue, sweating, dizziness or muscle aches.

Cellulitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including post-surgical infection, any injury that breaks the skin barrier allowing bacterial access, bone infections that are beneath the skin, and foreign objects in the skin as well as long-term skin conditions.

Increasingly, the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain is causing cellulitis as well. If cellulitis is left untreated, it can infect the bloodstream (sepsis) and damage the lymph nodes and even become life-threatening. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and keeping the area clean, covered, and elevated to reduce swelling.

What is Impetigo?
This condition arises from bacteria-strep, such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteria or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Like cellulitis, impetigo can get inside the body from a skin injury like insect bites, minor cuts or a rash (like eczema). But even healthy skin can develop impetigo. This highly contagious infection also comes from bacterial invasion and while it is generally seen in young children two to five years old, or infants wearing diapers, it can be contracted by anyone who has been in contact with an infected individual (family members). Children in daycare centers and classrooms in school are highly susceptible to this condition.

Signs to look out for, particularly on the face, arms and legs, include:

– Tiny red spots that morph into open blisters
– Itchy sores of varying size that ooze fluid
– Blisters that burst and then crust over in yellow

To avoid complications, our doctors can prescribe topical antibiotics. You’ll also want to wash and disinfect your child’s bedding, towels, clothing, toys etc. that may have been in contact with the sores. If you or a family member shows symptoms of cellulitis or impetigo, please give our team in Orem, Utah a call to schedule an appointment.

90,000 How I defeated my cellulite. Photo before / after. | Make the body

Some say that this is a disease that requires treatment, others say that these are fatty layers that our body needs for life and for the safety of the baby (if the woman is pregnant).
If you take into account all the possible reasons for the appearance of cellulite, then you can fight it quite effectively. Since no one has yet an unambiguous answer to the question “Where do these ugly dimples come from?”, We will take into account all possible variants of its occurrence.Combining them is easy, it only takes patience and a little self-conviction.

First, if it’s still a disease. Why don’t we eat extra vitamins? After all, they are found in vegetables, and, as you know, you cannot get fat from vegetables. Why not have one more time to eat a cucumber, tomato, apple? It is not only easy, but also enjoyable. It is so?

Now about patience. Cellulite is usually most pronounced on the legs and abdomen. In those places where dimples have formed, you can grope for “ balls”, which you need to massage , knead. Every day for at least ten minutes. There are also masks that can enhance the effect of massage. For example, a honey and garlic mask. This mask is really quite effective. Or a mask made of coffee mixed with sour cream. Both of these masks are best done at night and wrapped without rinsing, and sleep, even if the skin burns. This is good – the blood accelerates, you really feel how cellulite resists, but there is no escape for it!

Of course, it is better to combine the fight against cellulite with a diet.Surely the fat that the body stores will be used for its intended purpose when the body ceases to receive its usual share of food.

But here’s a tip for you: don’t expect a quick result!
And don’t weigh yourself too often! More than one psychologist has been talking about this!

It also happens like this: here at Manka from the third entrance everything has already worked out, a slender woman is walking, and I probably already … But still I look in the mirror and I am disappointed: the dimples are not gone, nothing will work out for me!

Stop! It is important to remember that each organism has its own individual characteristics, and if you really want to lose weight and get rid of cellulite, you need to draw up strict rules for your struggle and follow them without looking at anyone! Only in this case everything will work out!

Lose calories wisely, do not deprive yourself of vitamins, because, as already mentioned, a lack of vitamins also affects the development of cellulite! Therefore, just eat less, try to move more, lead an active lifestyle, limit yourself to your favorite high-calorie treats, for example: I used to eat chocolates every day, but now I can only allow once a week.The same is with buns with condensed milk, etc. And replace them with fruits and vegetables.

But what all the sources that talk about the fight against cellulite agree with each other is that there are some types of physical exercises aimed specifically at getting rid of cellulite. Oddly enough, these exercises are not exhausting at all, but even easy, fun and enjoyable. These are: jumping rope, cycling, swimming, running.

I will add that in addition to all this, cosmetics against cellulite, about which many have a skeptical opinion, can help you.Of course, if you sit on the couch, eat a pie with jam and smear the problem areas with this cream, there will be absolutely no effect. But if the struggle is carried out in a complex manner, if everything is combined, the result will not be long in coming.
The skin will tighten, the fat will become slightly less, and you will get more and more prettier, because when a woman feels beautiful, she is even more beautiful than she thinks.

! Cellulite has a special feature – it comes back! Therefore, if you want to maintain the result, continue to lead an active lifestyle, do not abandon yourself, consume vitamins and do not overeat again! Good luck!

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Cellulite before and after: envy photos!

For many women, orange peel and nasty bumps appear inexorably on the bottom, thighs, abdomen and even hands. And every lovely lady seeks to quickly get rid of this nightmare. An excellent motivation is to look at photos of how cellulite looked before and after treatment. It is a graphic example that most stimulates action.

What do you like more? Cellulite before and after

Examples of photos of cellulite before and after

Look at the photos of body shaping and skin transformation, evaluate the result and you will instantly disappear from many frightening questions and indecision.It is worth removing imperfections on the skin once and for all so that the same unnerving story does not repeat itself every summer.

Cellulite photo

Today there are many excellent methods and remedies for dealing with orange peel, with truly magical results. In order to make sure of this, compare the pictures after completing the course of anti-cellulite massage, which you can perform at home on your own.

Cellulite before and after massage

The effectiveness of many procedures and products has a positive effect on the buttocks after a few weeks.

Cellulite on the bottom: photo

Cellulite bumps can become much smaller or completely disappear, even if there are many problem areas. Performing treatments regularly will allow you to achieve amazing results on your legs, bottom and delicate abdominal skin.

Cellulite on the legs photo

The most important thing is to never give up and try different techniques.

Cellulite before and after photos

In the later stages and after pregnancy, in order to increase the result, it is necessary to use an integrated approach.Effective methods of a comprehensive course include proper nutrition and sports, body wrapping, massage, anti-cellulite scrubs and creams.

Cellulite before and after pregnancy

Comparing cellulite before and after procedures by photo, you will certainly feel the difference. The skin will become softer, smoother, excess fat will disappear and excess moisture will disappear, and the bumps will disappear.

Cellulite after childbirth

And remember, only an integrated approach can solve a problem and bring real results.Love your figure and be always irresistible with velvety skin.

We also recommend on our website:

90,000 10 ways to fight cellulite. Who tried what, supplement, recommend! | Customer Reviews

According to a study by the US Institute of Beauty (2009) between the ages of 15 and 45, only one in ten women in the world can sleep well without deciding what to do with cellulite before the beach season. Unfortunately, I am not one of these lucky ones.And the upcoming beach season awakens conflicting feelings in me – I rejoice through tears and plan a strategy to combat cellulite 🙂
Know-it-all Yandex answers my questions with a mountain of links – she tried her best to structure them.

I propose to supplement this list with recommendations based on my own experience. If you have done at least one of the procedures, used at least one of the means – share and future fighters against cellulite will not forget us!

So, our arsenal of means of fighting the plague of the 21st century – cellulite, collected using Yandex:

1.Let’s start with the simplest – aromatherapy, aroma lamps; baths with aromatic essential oils (including orange) against the “orange peel”. For the same purposes, they use juniper and cypress oil. Not traumatic, pleasant, but, alas, the least productive treatment, reliable statistics of the results could not be found.

2. Preparations applied externally to problem areas – anti-cellulite creams, serums, gels, scrubs. Every self-respecting cosmetic brand has anti-cellulite products.On average, the positive effect is achieved in 5 – 60 days. But science does not stand still. Among the latest cosmetic hits – the American serum Adonia Legton promises the first result in 9 minutes (!) After application. As a rule, there are no contraindications for such cosmetics.

3. SPA procedures: contrast showers, sauna in combination with peeling, aqua aerobics, Charcot shower or circular. Indicated for long-term use. The latter of the above are held only in special salons or fitness centers, and therefore are expensive.Only Charcot’s shower has contraindications.

4. Body massage: manual, vacuum, cryo and pneumatic massage. All of the above is effective, especially when using additional creams and gels that help burn fat. These procedures help a lot, but only after the expiration of n-number of sessions conducted by class specialists in specially equipped rooms. Therefore, they are not cheap. Only manual massage has no contraindications.

5. Wraps: thalassotherapy, for example, Algologie, Thal’ion (mud, clay wraps) or the use of bandages from kelp, an active iodine algae.Body wraps are contraindicated for women with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases and have a very specific smell. High performance.

6. Reflexotherapy. Impact with a special tool on certain points on the body; only a few specialists in our country have the ability to perform this procedure. For this reason, the effectiveness is poorly understood.

7. Apparatus methods of exposure: pressotherapy, endermology, myostimulation by current or microcurrent lymphatic drainage Line Linfogei.The course requires special equipment, and the procedures are quite painful. Contraindications are quite extensive – that is, if you are going to use these methods – first make inquiries.

8.Ultrasonic phonoresis and lipolysis, electrolipolysis (needle electrodes), dermotonia (vacuum lymphatic drainage on devices similar to Skintonic), ozone therapy on Vela Smooth equipment. Quite radical methods. Several sessions are required to achieve significant results.The prices, as with other hardware methods, are quite high.

9. Mesotherapy (introduction of subcutaneously active cocktails that improve metabolism). You need to be aware that injections are injections, allergic reactions are possible. Seemingly safe, this procedure, however, ended fatally for the former “Miss Argentina” Solange Mariano, who dreamed of firm and smooth buttocks.

10. Liposuction – removal of adipose tissue with or without anesthesia using SmartLipo laser technologies.The procedure requires a complete medical examination, because there are contraindications. Painful rehabilitation period.

90,000 Cellulite treatment at an affordable price in the Makhaon clinic

The Makhaon Clinic offers effective methods to combat the “orange peel”. Complex treatment includes injection and hardware procedures, lymphatic drainage, wraps.

Causes and stages of cellulite

“Orange peel”, familiar to women of any age and complexion, are pathological structural changes in the subcutaneous fat, leading to stagnant processes: impaired microcirculation, lymph drainage.

People usually need to eliminate this deficiency:

• with hereditary predisposition;
• peripheral circulatory disorders;
• hormonal fluctuations or endocrine diseases;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• frequent fluctuations in body weight;
• wrong diet;
• bad habits.

Stages of gynoid lipodystrophy:

• First.A slight stagnation of fluid, manifested in mild swelling, flabbiness of tissues.
• Second. Connective tissue fibers thicken, lymph flow, blood circulation deteriorate, the skin loses its elasticity, tubercles are clearly visible and palpable under it.
• Third. Formed “orange peel” – hard nodular seals. The blood vessels are compressed and the skin feels cold to the touch.
• Fourth. The bumps and depressions on the skin are significantly pronounced, it has a bluish tint, there is swelling, the muscles atrophy.

Treatment program

The Makhaon clinic uses a differentiated approach to solving the problem of cellulite. Specialists create an individual therapy program for each patient. It takes into account the stage of development of pathology, age, contraindications. The results will be noticeable after just a few sessions, but you need to complete the full course.

Treatment is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Injection procedures to improve blood flow, lymph flow.
2. Introduction to the subcutaneous fat layer of lipolytics – agents that stimulate the breakdown of fats.
3. Complex of modeling procedures to improve body contours.

The following methods are used in our clinic:

• Mesotherapy. Injection of lipolytics and agents to improve microcirculation. The depth of the pricks is 3-4 mm.
• Wrapping. Saturates your body with active ingredients and minerals. The procedure acts on the subcutaneous fat, reducing the appearance of cellulite.Due to the local increase in temperature, due to the thermal blanket, the penetration of active substances into the tissues is enhanced.
• Lymphatic drainage massage is aimed at removing excess fluid from the tissues, and toxins and metabolites from the intercellular space.
• Endospheres Therapy. Compression microvibration allows you to reduce weight, therefore it is used for modeling a figure. The method is non-invasive, safe, eliminates damage to blood and lymph vessels.

Some procedures have contraindications.They relate to diseases of the heart, blood vessels, excretory system (liver, kidneys), blood, infectious and dermatological diseases, violations of the integrity of the skin, pregnancy, epilepsy, etc.

Benefits of cellulite treatment in our clinic

We use therapies with proven clinical efficacy that are absolutely safe. The personal program takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient, so the price varies. The scheme can be drawn up to obtain the desired effect for a specific date.

Certified doctors of the highest category – physiotherapists and cosmetologists are engaged in the treatment of cellulite. Their experience, effective equipment and preparations will allow you to gain harmony and confidence in your own attractiveness.

Receptions are conducted by doctors, candidates of medical sciences,
doctors of the highest category

90,000 benefits, technique, before and after photos

Absolutely every woman knows what cellulite is.And also absolutely everyone is sure that cellulite is bad. Indeed, it is possible that the aesthetically pleasing orange peel does not look very pretty. In fact, women should understand that this is a common feature of our body and absolutely everyone has cellulite. It’s not about being slim and overweight, but about self-care, nutrition, the structure of fat cells and lifestyle.

Men do not have cellulite, because they have a different body structure, adipose tissue and completely different hormones.Of course, you should keep your skin toned, exercise and eat right to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the body. But it is definitely not necessary to be fanatical about the fight against this problem. It is enough to take a course of anti-cellulite massage once every six months.

Today we will talk about a good procedure that helps to smooth the skin and significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite – vacuum massage.

How does vacuum massage work?

The basic principle of action in any type of vacuum massage is an active effect on the skin with the help of special devices or cans for vacuum massage, which help to deeply work out all layers of the skin.
Everything is balanced in our body, including the pressure inside the cells. When fat cells are exposed to a vacuum method, this causes the metabolism in this part of the body to accelerate significantly and provokes the breakdown of these cells.

Thus, the anti-cellulite effect of vacuum massage is ensured, which is clearly visible in the photo before and after the girls who have completed the course of this procedure.

What types of vacuum massage are there?

There are several types of vacuum massage in modern cosmetology:

• vacuum roller or LPG massage.This procedure is carried out in the salon, as it involves a hardware effect on the skin. The device for LPG massage actively works on the skin and during a course of 10-15 procedures, you can lose up to 8-10 centimeters in volumes, significantly improving the quality of the skin;
• vacuum cupping massage. It can be both dynamic and point. In order to safely undergo the canned massage procedure, you first need to consult with a specialist. This technique works great on fat cells, forcing them to literally split in a natural way.And due to the acceleration of metabolism, adipose tissue burns out even after the end of the procedure, especially if you combine a massage course with sports and proper nutrition;
• vacuum laser massage. A mega-effective technique in which not only mechanical action (vacuum) is applied to the skin, but also the skin cells from the inside are processed by a laser. Laser-vacuum massage is more expensive than other techniques, but the effect is usually much more noticeable.

Also, a competent specialist during vacuum massage divides the body into zones.So for the face there are attachments for the apparatus and an individual technique of execution. In the same way as vacuum hand massage is different from working on the abdomen or thighs.

What are the benefits and contraindications to vacuum massage?

The vacuum body massage technique has become very popular in beauty salons, as it can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten the body contours. If we talk about the advantages of vacuum massage, then here we can highlight the following points:

• “acceleration” of lymph in the body and activation of blood circulation;
• breakdown of fat cells and activation of the process of losing weight;
• reduction of stretch marks and an increase in skin tone;
• complete absence of a recovery period;
• painlessness of the procedure.

Vacuum massage can also be performed at home, with special massage cans and a moisturizer. A course of vacuum massage should be taken once every six months for 6-15 procedures, depending on the degree of cellulite and the desired effect.

Also, experts identify a number of contraindications, which are very important to consider before carrying out the procedure:

• too high sensitivity of the skin and predisposition to damage;
• varicose veins;
• high blood pressure;
• tendency to thrombophlebitis;
• diabetes mellitus;
• predisposition to allergies;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• lesions on the skin and bruising.

For the vacuum massage procedure to be as effective, safe and painless as possible, choose a competent specialist who can assess your physical condition and choose the course of procedures that is most suitable for you.

What rules for vacuum massage do you need to know?

If you signed up for a course of vacuum-roller or cupping massage for cellulite, then it is important to know a few rules for the procedure, which will also come in handy if you decide to massage at home:

• one area should be treated for no more than 10 minutes to prevent bruising;
• It is not recommended to do vacuum massage every day.It is best to carry out procedures every other day, so that the skin can “rest” and recover;
• when carrying out such a massage at home, it is better to use silicone cans;
• massage should be carried out along the lines of the lymph flow to ensure the correct lymphatic drainage effect;
• The strength of the vacuum must be regulated so that the massage is not painful and does not leave behind bruises.

If you are doing vacuum massage at home, check out the photo diagrams of its implementation.It is best to sign up for such a procedure in the salon to an experienced specialist who can do everything as efficiently as possible.

Take care of your body, love massage and, of course, be happy 🙂

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90,000 Why is it pointless to fight cellulite – Wonderzine

Who invented cellulite

Young girls are afraid of him, women with shame remove photographs that have been spoiled by him, and retouchers all over the world sit in Photoshop day and night, smoothing the bumpy skin on the thighs of world-famous models.The internet is overflowing with advice and the market with cellulite-killing services. There are an infinite number of anti-cellulite products. Creams and serums, scrubs and wraps, brushes and massagers, herbs and algae, electrostimulation machines, injections and surgeries – all of this exists only to help us cope with what is unreasonably considered a sign of laziness, ill health and unattractiveness.

Surprisingly, but cellulite as a global problem is not even fifty years old.Thanks to such painters as Rembrandt, Rubens and Courbet, the play of light on the uneven female buttocks, hips and stomachs adorn the best museums in the world. Hollywood divas also did not think that cellulite should be treated. Even the advertising photographs of the legendary actresses Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield or the erotic model Betty Page did not occur to anyone to retouch.

In the 1920s, the French came up with a name for the type of female skin on the thighs, buttocks and shoulders – “orange peel”. But even then, no one said that irregularities on the female body are bad, that this is not the norm, but an unpleasant exception.However, in half a century, the idea of ​​cellulite has crossed the Atlantic: in 1973, the enterprising owner of a New York beauty salon, Nicole Ronsard, published the book Cellulite: Those Lumps, Bumps and Bumps You Couldn’t Get Rid of Before. The work was immediately reviewed by Vogue magazine, purchased by two hundred thousand women, and then it was reprinted several times as a bestseller.

The book stated that cellulite is the “wrong” fat, and a bumpy bottom is a sign of impaired blood and lymph flow and the reason for the accumulation of toxic substances that the body cannot cope with.At that pre-photoshop time, Ronsard had to work hard to find a model without cellulite for advertising the book: only the thirtieth girl who came to the casting did not have it. But in the end, the author hit the jackpot by selling “anti-cellulite” beauty services: from ointments to massages. Sales of cactus loofahs, hard loofah, magic creams, and vitamin supplements immediately skyrocketed.

After a while, in order to reach an even larger circle of consumers, they invented four stages of cellulite development.The last of them was described as similar to fibrosis, and the first was called ingeniously – “hidden cellulite” – and, as it were, hinted at the fact that if you don’t have cellulite, you should still be afraid, because it is just hiding. To detect it, it is recommended to squeeze suspicious areas, find fat cells under the skin – and urgently run for procedures. In subsequent years, the cosmetic market took the idea of ​​cellulite into circulation, not without reason having noticed a gold mine in the female fat layer. The “treatment” courses cost hundreds of dollars for clients.

The American Medical Association announced back in 1978 that there was no such diagnosis as cellulite, and, of course, had never been in the International Classification of Diseases. However, frightened consumers began to believe that the cream can penetrate the skin and dissolve fat cells, that plastic wraps will help “evaporate” them, and that there are anti-cellulite exercises for “problem areas”. There was even an idea that cellulite is not fat, but a gel-like substance made of water, fat and toxins that can be calcified with a diet.Not so long ago, a horror story was born that cellulite is a sign of endocrine diseases, problems with the thyroid or pancreas.

Of course, from the point of view of physiology, all these are absurd assumptions. In just a couple of decades, the idea that cellulite “suffers” was hammered into our heads, but also forced to buy various placebos and give more and more money to cosmetic companies. It’s time to leave this kingdom of ignorance and understand two things: first, that cellulite is far from always possible and necessary to get rid of, and second, that this is not a problem.

Remove Cellulite – Silk

UniPolar ™ – 40.68 MHz Super Frequency Technology

Patented dielectric RF mechanism, operating at an average of 40 times the frequency of older counterparts, delivers energy without grounding or a second electrode. In practice, this is the only technology in the world that combines:

Energy focusing at a controlled depth

Homogeneity (uniformity) of heating

Layer-by-layer heating

Absolute safety and elimination of the risk of burns

300 Watts – the highest RF power in the world

Resistance the electric field of the human body significantly reduces the intensity of radio frequency exposure.With an energy that surpasses all existing RF devices in the world, Accent unhindered overcomes body impedances, delivering maximum energy to the required depth, ensuring that every treatment is highly effective.

Ultrasound & Cold Shear WaveTM – Longitudinal and asymmetric waves

The technology is free from the effect of acoustic cavitation, which is characterized by indiscriminate effects. The innovation is a complex of vibration waves – longitudinal and asymmetric, due to which Accent provides a selective effect on fat cells at a depth of 20 mm, causing their disintegration and apoptosis without damaging the surrounding tissues.

Histology of fat cell damage and fibrosis

Fat cells

Focused fat destruction on the Accent Prime

UltraSpeed ​​- 88 mm applicator

The new UltraSpeed ​​handpiece is much larger than its predecessors, which makes it possible to reduce the procedure time by times, with an even greater total efficiency.

Comfort without anesthesia

The patented In MotionTM technology provides gradual heating of tissues at a deep level, avoiding burns and discomfort.

Combined technologies

The combination of unique dual ultrasound, the most powerful RF of the most intense radio waves, and roller massage in a complex of Body Up ™ and AntiCell ™ procedures gives an unrivaled result

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