What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin infection
caused by bacteria. Normally, your skin helps protect you from infection. But
if you have a cut, sore, or insect bite, bacteria can get into the skin and
spread to deeper tissues. If it is not treated with antibiotics, the infection
can spread to the blood or lymph nodes. This can be deadly.
people can get cellulitis without having a break in the skin. These include
older adults and people who have
diabetes or a weak
immune system. These people are also more likely to
develop dangerous problems from cellulitis. And they are more likely to get
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis is caused by
bacteria (usually strep or staph). Some people are at risk for infection by
other types of bacteria. They include people with
weak immune systems and those who handle fish, meat,
poultry, or soil without using gloves.
What are the symptoms?
At first, the infected area
will be warm, red, swollen, and tender. As the infection spreads, you may have
a fever, chills, and swollen glands.
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. An infection on the
face could lead to a dangerous eye infection.
See a doctor right
away if you have an infected area of skin and:
- The infected area is getting redder, more
painful, or larger, or it has red streaks extending from it.
have a fever or chills.
- The infected area is on your face or your
How do you get cellulitis?
There are many ways to
get cellulitis. You can get it if you have:
- An injury to your skin, such as a cut,
surgical wound, burn, or animal or insect bite.
- Skin problems,
psoriasis, or a
fungal infection like
- Certain medical conditions. These include
peripheral arterial disease, or a weak immune
- Fluid buildup (edema) in the
legs or arms.
- Had liposuction to remove excess fat.
illegal drugs under your skin.
How is it treated?
Doctors use antibiotics to
treat cellulitis. 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 the
hospital with antibiotics that go right into your bloodstream.
your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important to take them as directed.
Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full
course of antibiotics.
It is very important to get treatment right
away for cellulitis. If it is not treated, the bacteria can spread quickly
through the body and cause
sepsis, an extreme response by the body’s defense
system. This can be deadly. Cellulitis on the face can spread to the brain and
cause a dangerous infection (meningitis). Cellulitis can also cause
other serious problems, such as blood clots in the legs (thrombophlebitis).