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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that causes skin inflammation. The infected area will feel hot and the infection may spread to other areas quickly.
The areas of the skin most commonly affected by cellulitis are the lower legs and the face; however the infection can occur on any part of your body.
Cellulitis is not just a harmless rash that may cause unsightly cosmetic problems; it can also cause serious health dangers. Cellulitis may only affect the surface of your skin, but it has the potential to spread to the tissue under your skin, your lymph nodes, and into your bloodstream.
If this condition remains untreated your life may be at risk which is why it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you recognize the symptoms of cellulitis.
Common symptoms of cellulitis are when an area of your skin appears red and swollen and feels tender and warm. The skin symptoms may be accompanied with a fever.
As time elapses the red area may grow and small red spots will begin to appear on top of the red skin and in severe cases blisters may form and burst.
Cellulitis is caused when certain types of bacteria enter through a break in your skin. You may already have a cut or scrape that allows the bacteria to enter your skin. Even an insect bite can allow the bacteria to start the infection. Dry or swollen skin can also allow an entrance for bacteria.
There are some factors that that increase your risk of bacterial infection.
Diabetes can result in decreased blood circulation which may cause feet ulcers that allow bacteria to enter your skin. Chickenpox and shingles can also serve as portals of entry for bacteria.
Any illness such as HIV or leukemia that results in a weakening of your immune system will make you more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
Also drugs that suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine and prednisone will increase the risk of bacterial infection.
Age is another risk factor.
As the human body ages the circulatory system does not deliver blood as efficiently and white blood cells that fight infection may not reach areas where blood circulation is poor.
Additional risk factors are fungal infections and chronic swelling.
Fungal infections can cause cracks in your feet for bacteria to enter. Medical conditions that cause chronic swelling such as lymphedema can break skin tissue as it expands and increase your vulnerability to bacterial infection.
The best way to prevent cellulitis is to follow the basic treatment measures whenever you have a break in your skin. This includes all scrapes, cuts, swelling, sores and other wounds.
You should wash the break in your skin daily with soap and warm water. You should also apply an ointment or antibiotic cream to the break in your skin after you wash it. Cover the washed skin break with a bandage and change bandages frequently.
Examine your skin often for signs of infection. If you notice a skin rash that that is red, swollen, tender, warm and expanding you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
If the rash is expanding quickly and pain or a fever is occurring you should seek emergency care; a serious and life threatening infection may be spreading throughout your body.
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