Cellulitis is a serious bacterial skin infection that causes the affected skin to be swollen or inflammed. The infection happens when the skin breaks and allows bacteria to enter into the body. It is painful and warm to touch....CONTINUE READING
Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs, but it can also affect the face, arms and other areas.
It is pertinent to note that if this condition is left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.
SYMPTOMS
According to the publication by Mayo Clinic, the following are the symptoms of cellulitis;
-An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
-Swelling
-Tenderness
-Pain
-Warmth
-Fever
-Chills
-Spots
-Blisters
-Skin dimpling
CAUSES
Cellulitis occurs when bacterias like streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin, especially the legs though it can occur in any part of the body.
Bacterias are most likely to enter broken, dry, flaky or swollen skin, like through a recent surgical site, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot or dermatitis.
RISK FACTORS
– Injury
– Weakened immune system
– Skin conditions
– Long term swelling of the arms or legs
– Being over weight
– History of cellulitis, etc.
COMPLICATIONS
Untreated cellulitis might lead to the following;
*Bacteremia
*Endocarditis
*Osteomyelitis
*Toxic shock syndrome or sepsis.
You should know that recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb.
PREVENTION
*Wash the wound daily with soap and water.
*Ask your health care provider whether it would help to apply a protective cream or ointment like Vaseline, polysporin, etc for protection.
*Cover the wound with a bandage and change it frequently.
*Watch for signs of infection such as irritation, pain and pus, etc.
You should know that you need to watch out for signs of infections and report to your Doctor as soon as possible, this is due to the fact that sometimes, this condition can become life threatening if left untreated.
