cellulitis: do you know the signs?

although commonly mistaken for other skin issues, cellulitis is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits.

by dave yasvinski

dec 2 2022

3 minute read

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cellulitis can become life-threatening if not treated

cellulitis typically appears quickly, in the form of an expanding, red patch of skin that is swollen, warm and painful. getty

cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues that lie beneath. this common condition can affect anyone but is most prevalent in people with open wounds or weakened immune systems.

most cases of cellulitis are mild and only last a couple of days to a couple of weeks, according to public health alberta , but the condition can become a concern in the rare event it is allowed to progress to a more serious infection, such as sepsis. there are a few other conditions that make some people more susceptible to cellulitis — and more likely to experience repeat episodes — including diabetes and edema (the abnormal buildup of fluid in an area of the body).

cellulitis is caused by the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus, which usually enter the body through breaks in the skin caused by things such as surgery, a scratch or bite, a new tattoo or piercing or any other condition that can cause the skin to break down, such as eczema or psoriasis.

cellulitis usually affects the feet and lower legs by causing skin to become inflamed, painful and warm to the touch. it can also appear on other areas of the body (including the face and arms) but is not contagious under most circumstances. symptoms usually resolve with a few days of antibiotics and the likelihood of another infection can be reduced by practicing good hygiene and wound care.

symptoms of cellulitis

cellulitis typically appears quickly, in the form of an expanding, red patch of skin that is swollen, warm and painful. it may appear pitted, like the peel of an orange, or have blisters. other signs of infection, according to the canadian lymphedema network , can include fatigue or a sense of heaviness and, in more severe cases, flu-like symptoms, nausea, fever or chills. if you think you are exhibiting signs of a skin infection, you should seek medical assistance immediately.

how is cellulitis diagnosed?

a doctor can usually determine if a patient has cellulitis based on their symptoms and a physical examination. other procedures, including blood tests and imaging scans, may be required to rule out other conditions that present similar symptoms.

treating cellulitis

cellulitis is typically addressed through a standard course of prescription oral antibiotics. patients are usually able to take this medication by themselves at home but, in severe cases, hospitalization may be required to allow for supplementary care, including the intravenous administration of antibiotics. there are also a few home remedies that can help ease the pain and swelling of cellulitis, including using a cool, damp cloth on affected skin, elevating the affected area of the body, asking your health-care provider about compression wraps or over-the-counter pain medication.

how to prevent cellulitis

there are a number of ways to lower the risk of suffering from a bout of cellulitis, according to healthwise , taking good care of your skin — keep it clean, and use lotion to prevent drying and cracking; check your feet and legs often, especially 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; and if you have edema, ask your doctor about wearing compression stockings or sleeves.

if you do notice a crack in your skin , clean the area immediately and apply ointment and a bandage until the wound is fully healed. keep a close eye on the area for signs of infection, including discolouration, drainage or pain.

cellulitis is one of the most common reasons for er visits

it is difficult to determine the rate of cellulitis in canada because the condition is commonly mistaken for other skin issues and mild cases can resolve without treatment. it is, however, the skin condition most commonly to blame for emergency room visits, with one canadian study finding more than 65,000 people were admitted for treatment over a four-year period. in the u.s., it is estimated that around 14 million cases of cellulitis occur every year.

more information on cellulitis

for more information about cellulitis, check out healthwise , myhealth alberta and the canadian lymphedema framework.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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dave yasvinski

cellulitis: do you know the signs?