Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common, but potentially serious bacterial skin infection that you or someone you love may encounter at some point in life.  You will know you have it when you see it.  It will appear as a swollen, red area of the skin that will feel hot to the touch and will be tender.  Cellulitis can spread rather rapidly to other locations throughout the body.  Do not be alarmed though because it is not usually spread from person to person.

The area of the body that is most commonly affected by this condition are the lower legs.  Although, anywhere on your body or face is fair game for it to develop.  Cellulitis may only affect the surface of your skin, or it may extend deeper into your tissues, lymph nodes, or spread throughout your bloodstream.  If left untreated, the infection will most likely spread which can rapidly become life-threatening.  A good point of advice for you to remember is that you should always seek immediate medical attention at the slightest change in your body, because you are the one who knows it best!

There are specific signs and symptoms related to cellulitis that you should be aware of and they usually will occur on only one side of the body.  These include, but are not limited to:

·        Red area of skin that is observed to continually increase.

·        Swelling.

·        Tenderness.

·        Increase in pain.

·        Increase in warmth compared to other areas.

·        Fever.

·        Red spots.

·        Blisters.

·        Dimpling of skin.

It is important to be attentive to the signs and symptoms as mentioned above to intervene early in your treatment of cellulitis to avoid other problems that it can easily cause if left untreated for too long.  Do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention; Total Home Health professionals will be ready to take control of your condition.

Now that you know what to look for, you may be wondering what causes this condition.  Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin.  MRSA is commonly heard of, as it is one of the more serious staphylococcus infections. 

To result in cellulitis, bacteria most likely will enter through an area of your skin that is compromised, such as where you have had recent surgery, have cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot or dermatitis.  Other factors can lead to cellulitis, such as certain types of insect or spider bites that can transmit bacteria and start infections.  Skin that is also just dry, flaky or swollen can also allow the infection to enter.  Basically, you just never know when you may become infected and it is a good idea to maintain strict hygiene.  Always take care of your skin, even more so if it is compromised, or if you have a condition such as diabetes that results in poor circulation, which delays healing.

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Treatment of cellulitis usually will include a prescription for an oral antibiotic.  Some cases may require intravenous (IV), depending upon its severity.  Within three days of starting an antibiotic, you should start to notice if your infection is responding to the treatment.  It is important to take the full course of the antibiotic treatment in order for it to exert its full effects, you should never stop your antibiotic just because you feel better.  Generally, the course of antibiotic therapy lasts up to 14 days.  Elevation of the affected extremity is also a general rule of thumb to aid in relief and recovery.

In most cases, within a few days, the once apparent signs and symptoms of cellulitis will disappear.  However, if your specific course of cellulitis does not respond to oral antibiotics, if your signs and symptoms are extensive, or if you have a high fever, you may need to be hospitalized to receive IV antibiotics.

Usually, providers will prescribe a medication to you that are effective against both streptococci and staphylococci so that your treatment will have a better chance at success by killing all the bacteria.  The professionals at Total Home Health cannot reinforce enough of how important it is to finish the entire course of your antibiotics so that further complications do not arise or your condition continues.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and all your needs that may arise if you are burdened with a condition such as cellulitis.  This infection may hinder your abilities to perform daily routines while it runs its course, which is where our staff comes into play to get you through your daily routine.  Our professional staff will also be available to assess your course of cellulitis and prevent it from worsening or developing into a more serious condition.  At Total Home Health, we are ready for whatever may be thrown at us next!