Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus, commonly entering through skin injuries and leading to symptoms like redness, swelling, and pain. Prompt detection and treatment, typically with antibiotics and proper home care, are essential to prevent serious complications such as sepsis or tissue damage. Preventative measures include maintaining good skin hygiene and promptly treating any skin breaks to reduce the risk of infection.

1. Cellulitis
Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
By:
Dr Valeria Simone MD,
(Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA)

2. Overview
“Cellulitis” is a word that might sound foreign to many until a harmless scrape on your leg from a
casual walk turns into a red, swollen, and painful nightmare. This is the reality of cellulitis, a
common yet potentially dangerous skin infection that doesn’t discriminate by age or health status.
Knowing the symptoms, causes, and treatments of cellulitis could be the key to preventing this
seemingly innocuous injury from becoming a health hazard.
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to cellulitis, a common Skin and Soft Tissue Infection (SSTI).
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into cellulitis, unpacking its symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
We’ll also explore the various treatment options available and offer insights on how to distinguish
cellulitis from other skin conditions. Plus, we’ll provide practical tips for home care, recovery, and
prevention.
With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to protect yourself and your loved ones from the
potentially severe consequences of untreated cellulitis. Let’s get started on this enlightening
journey!

4. Key
Takeaways
• Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that requires
prompt detection and treatment.
• Identifying symptoms, causes, risk factors,
diagnosis, and testing are essential to obtaining the
right treatment and preventing complications.
• Home care and following Doctor’s
recommendations can help with recovery, while
good hygiene helps prevent cellulitis development.

5. Understanding
Cellulitis

6. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the dermis and underlying subcutaneous
tissue infections, often caused by strep and staph bacteria entering through skin injuries.
The infection can occur on any part of the body, but it is commonly found on the arms,
legs, and sometimes around the eyes, mouth, and anus, or on the abdomen.
This common skin infection, if left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the lymph nodes and
bloodstream, leading to dangerous complications such as blood infections and even life-
threatening situations like necrotizing fasciitis.
Successful management of cellulitis hinges on prompt detection and treatment. By
becoming familiar with the symptoms and potential causes, you can help prevent the
infection from escalating. So what exactly should you be looking out for, and how can these
signs be identified?

7. Identifying
Symptoms

8. The primary symptoms of cellulitis include:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Pain in the affected area
These symptoms can progress rapidly if left untreated, potentially leading to more severe
complications. Prompt medical attention is necessary if you experience any of these
symptoms, as this can halt the infection from spreading and inflicting more harm.
Not every case of cellulitis is severe, and some may be classified as “uncomplicated,”
involving a limited area, minimal pain, no systemic signs of illness, and no risk factors for
serious illness. Nevertheless, vigilance and close monitoring of symptoms are vital because
certain signs may point to a more severe or deeper infection, including:
• Malaise
• Fever
• Chills
Difficulty in moving a limb or joint because of pain

9. Causes and
Risk Factors
Cellulitis can be caused by
various factors,
including bacterial infections,
skin injuries, and underlying
health conditions that
compromise the immune system
or skin integrity. For a more
comprehensive understanding of
how cellulitis develops, we’ll
examine these primary causes
and corresponding risk factors in
more detail.

10. Bacterial Infections
Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by various types of
bacteria, the most common being Staphylococcus and
Streptococcus. These bacteria can easily enter the body through
cuts and breaks in the skin.
These bacteria can enter the skin through breaks, such as cuts,
burns, or puncture wounds, resulting in minor skin infections
that can progress to cellulitis if left untreated. In individuals with
normal host defenses, Group A streptococci (GAS) and
Staphylococcus aureus are the predominant causes of cellulitis,
emphasizing the importance of prompt treatment to prevent
complications.
It is worth noting that other bacteria can also cause cellulitis, but
Staphylococcus and Streptococcus remain the most common
culprits. Hence, correctly identifying and treating skin injuries
plays a significant role in stopping the onset of cellulitis resulting
from bacterial infections.

11. Skin Injuries

12. As mentioned earlier, skin injuries can serve as an entry point for bacteria to invade the body and cause
cellulitis. Injuries such as:
• cuts
• animal bites
• burns
• surgical sites
• puncture wounds
• ulcers
• athlete’s foot
• dermatitis
Cuts, scrapes, and insect bites can all create a break in the skin, providing an opportunity for bacteria or fungal
infections to cause a deep infection as the infection spreads sore skin.
Providing appropriate care for all skin injuries, regardless of their size, is of utmost importance. Swiftly cleaning
the wound and using a bandage to cover it can greatly minimize the chances of infection and subsequent
cellulitis.

13. Underlying Health
Conditions
Underlying health conditions, such as infectious
diseases such as diabetes, poor circulation, or a
weakened immune system, can increase the risk
of developing cellulitis. These conditions can
make it more difficult for the body to fight off
infections, allowing bacteria to thrive and spread.
For individuals with normal skin or any chronic
health conditions, extra precaution in maintaining
skin health and hygiene is key. This can help lower
the chances of developing cellulitis and keep your
health at its peak.

14. Skin
Infection
A skin infection is the result of harmful microbes
such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses
breaching the skin’s defenses and multiplying,
leading to a range of symptoms. These invaders
can enter the skin through cuts, scrapes, or other
forms of skin damage.
The symptoms of a skin infection can vary widely
but often include redness, swelling, pain, and
warmth in the affected area. Some skin infections,
like cellulitis, can become serious if left untreated,
potentially leading to severe complications.
Hence, it is crucial to seek medical attention if you
suspect a skin infection.

15. Fungal Infections and
Cellulitis
Fungal infections and cellulitis are two different types of
skin infections caused by different microorganisms. While
fungal infections are caused by various types of fungi and
often affect the outer layer of the skin, nails, or mouth,
cellulitis is a bacterial infection that penetrates deeper
into the skin, affecting the dermis and subcutaneous
tissues.
Both conditions can cause similar symptoms such as
redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, making it
sometimes challenging to distinguish between the two
without a professional medical evaluation.
However, their treatments differ significantly. Fungal
infections are typically treated with antifungal
medications, while cellulitis requires antibiotic therapy to
combat the bacterial infection. It’s crucial to get a correct
diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment and prevent
complications.

16. Diagnosis and
Testing
Diagnosing cellulitis typically involves a physical
examination and a review of your medical history. In
some cases, doctors may also recommend blood
tests or imaging studies, such as ultrasonography, CT
scans, or MRI, to confirm the infection and identify
the causative bacteria.
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is pivotal to
receiving the right treatment for your condition. A
misdiagnosis of cellulitis can lead to treatments that
are either unnecessary or ineffective, potentially
worsening the infection or leading to additional
complications.
Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional if
you suspect that you may have cellulitis and follow
their recommendations for testing and treatment.

17. Treatment Options
The primary treatments for cellulitis include
antibiotics, pain relief medications, and
hospitalization in severe cases or for those
with compromised immune systems. With
these methods, cellulitis treated effectively
can prevent complications and promote
healing.
We’ll examine each of these treatment
options in greater depth.

18. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for cellulitis, as they help to eliminate the bacterial infection causing the condition. The
specific type of antibiotic prescribed and the duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the
patient’s medical history. Antibiotics frequently used in the treatment of cellulitis include:
• Penicillin
• Cephalosporins (e.g., cephalexin)
• Dicloxacillin
• Clindamycin
• Vancomycin
• Daptomycin
• Tigecycline
• Ceftaroline
• Linezolid
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
Adhering to the prescribed treatment plan and completing the entire course of antibiotics is essential, even if symptoms
improve before the medication is finished. Failure to do so can elevate the probability of the infection recurring or developing
resistance to treatment.

19. Pain Relief
Managing the pain and discomfort associated with
cellulitis is an essential aspect of treatment for this
chronic disease. Non-prescription pain relievers, such as
acetaminophen or ibuprofen, have demonstrated
efficacy in pain management and inflammation
reduction.
Following dosage instructions and not exceeding the
recommended amount is vital to avoid unwanted side
effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or drowsiness.
If over-the-counter pain relievers are not sufficient,
your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications to
help manage your discomfort. Always consult with your
healthcare provider before starting any new
medications, and be sure to follow their
recommendations for dosage and usage.

20. Hospitalization
In some cases, hospitalization may be
necessary for the treatment of cellulitis,
especially if the infection is severe or the
patient has chronic health conditions or a
compromised immune system. During
hospitalization, doctors may administer
intravenous (IV) antibiotics and surgically
drain abscesses if necessary.
Hospitalization can help ensure proper
monitoring and treatment of the infection,
reducing the risk of complications and
promoting a faster recovery. If hospitalization
for cellulitis is suggested by your doctor,
adhering to their advice and receiving
appropriate care for your condition is vital.

21. Home Care and
Recovery

22. Once you have received a diagnosis and started treatment for
cellulitis, there are several steps you can take at home to
support your recovery. Here are some recommendations:
1.Rest and elevate the affected area to help reduce swelling
and promote healing.
2.Keep the area clean and covered to prevent further
infections.
3.Monitor your symptoms closely for any signs of infection or
complications to ensure prompt intervention if required.
It can take some time for cellulitis to fully resolve, but with
proper treatment and home care, most people can expect to
see improvements in their symptoms within 2–3 days of starting
antibiotics.
By following your doctor’s recommendations and taking care of
your body, you can help ensure a successful recovery from
cellulitis.

23. Complications
and Severe
Cases

24. If cellulitis is left untreated or allowed to progress to a more severe state, it can lead to serious
complications. These serious infections may include:
• Tissue damage
• When an infection occurs, it has the potential to spread to different parts of the body
• Sepsis
• Death
In some cases, extensive tissue damage may result in tissue death (gangrene) and the need for
amputation.
Furthermore, the spread of infection to the following areas can potentially lead to life-threatening
conditions, including bone infection:
• Blood
• Bones
• Lymph system
• Heart
• Nervous system, more specifically the central nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord
The potential complications underline the need for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of
cellulitis. Early recognition of symptoms and seeking medical attention promptly can help prevent
further damage from the infection and ensure a smoother recovery.

25. Preventing Cellulitis
Preventing cellulitis involves maintaining good skin
hygiene, protecting the skin from injuries, and
promptly treating any breaks in the skin to reduce the
risk of infection. To practice good skin hygiene, wash
the skin regularly with mild soap and water, avoid
using harsh soaps and detergents, and keep the skin
hydrated with moisturizers.
Protect your skin from injuries by wearing appropriate
protective equipment when engaging in activities that
may cause skin damage, such as gardening or sports.
In the event of a skin injury, clean the wound promptly
and cover it with a bandage to reduce the risk of
infection. By taking these proactive steps with skin
wounds, you can help prevent the development of
cellulitis and maintain the health and integrity of your
skin.

26. Cellulitis and
Other Skin
Conditions

27. Cellulitis can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as:
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Gout
• Stasis dermatitis
• Lipodermatosclerosis
• Contact dermatitis
• Lymphedema
• Eosinophilic cellulitis
• Papular urticaria
• Acute eczema
• Impetigo
These conditions may present with similar symptoms but require different treatments. For pain medicine, for
example, deep vein thrombosis may require anticoagulants, while gout may be treated with nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs.
Let’s explore more: Cellulitis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery—Southlake General Surgery

28. Appointment
Scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider is an essential first step if you suspect
you may have cellulitis. This allows for a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan, which can
significantly improve your recovery time and prevent potential complications.
To make an appointment, you can contact our healthcare provider’s office by phone at (817) 748-
0200 or through their online booking system.
During the appointment, be prepared to discuss your symptoms in detail and answer questions
about your medical history. Your healthcare provider may also perform a physical examination or
order tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Valeria Simone MD
Board-certified General Surgeon at Southlake General Surgery, Texas, USA.
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Source: Cellulitis: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery - Southlake General Surgery

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