Download Article
Download Article
Cellulitis is a relatively common bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it. It can develop in apparently normal skin, but more often, trauma to the skin provides a portal of entry for invading organisms. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, but most frequently affects the lower legs and face. This infection is not contagious, but it can spread very quickly from one part of the body to another, making it very important to help cellulitis heal as fast as possible. You can easily detect cellulitis because it generally causes the area affected to become swollen and red, causing it to feel warm and quite tender. Fever, chills, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes are also frequently present with cellulitis. Among adults, the most susceptible are those with diabetes, cirrhosis, renal failure, malnutrition, and HIV. Cellulitis can be very serious and must be treated so it does not become dangerous.
Steps
-
Take care of the affected area. Be sure to gently cleanse the area affected with warm water. After making sure the area is dry, apply an antibiotic cream such as Neosporin or A&D Ointment and bandage the area.
-
Start oral antibiotics at the first sign of infection. Oral antibiotics are most commonly used to treat cellulitis. The treatment plan chosen by your doctor will depend on several things. Your physician will take into consideration the location of your cellulitis, your overall health, the severity of your infection, and the kind of bacteria causing your infection. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
- Taking antibiotics as soon as you notice any sign of infection will lead to quicker healing because the infection won’t have time to fester and worsen.
- A 10 to 21 day antibiotic regimen is generally what your doctor will prescribe to treat your infection.
- Be sure to finish your entire prescription even if your infection appears to have healed. After beginning antibiotics your symptoms are most likely to get better or disappear altogether in just a few days, so be sure to finish your entire prescription to reduce the likelihood of developing a resistance to the drug. [2] X Research source
- Your doctor will most likely prescribe antibiotics to treat both staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.
- Most of the time you can administer antibiotics to yourself in the comfort of your own home, but if your infection is severe enough to require intravenous antibiotics in order to deeply penetrate the infected area, administration must be done in a hospital.
Advertisement -
Try acupuncture therapy to reduce your pain. Acupuncture, in conjunction with antibiotics, is an alternative method of healing cellulitis by using needles to open intricate energy pathways within your body and improve your flow of energy.
- Physical pain can be caused by an imbalance of energy and acupuncture can help to balance that energy so the pain subsides.
- Acupuncture can help to kick off your body’s natural instincts to manage pain and discomfort. [3] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Rest the affected area. Like any infection or illness, it is always a good idea to rest the affected area and try to keep still to help speed up your recovery. You can also elevate the area in order to reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
-
Boost your immune system. One method of helping cellulitis heal faster is by taking vitamins, specifically Vitamin C and Vitamin E to boost your immune system and help attack bacteria causing your cellulitis infection. [5] X Research source
-
Use pain relievers to reduce your pain and manage fever or chills. Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and or Tylenol can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by your infection. Medications such as Advil, Motrin or Nuprin can be used to reduce your fever and treat chills resulting from your cellulitis. [6] X Research source
-
Apply bandages and keep the affected area clean.To help ease your pain, dress the affected areas with cool and wet bandages. Be sure to practice good personal hygiene and keep the affected areas of your skin extremely clean and dry. By doing this you can help to heal your cellulitis faster. [7] X Research source
-
Drain and keep the affected areas clean. Depending on the severity of your infection, antibiotics may not work. If this is the case, it may be necessary to undergo a surgical procedure to drain the affected areas. [8] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
-
Provide symptomatic relief for your cellulitis. While these measures will not cure your cellulitis, they will help with the pain. Try some of the following techniques:
- Immobilize the affected area
- Apply moist heat (like a warm washcloth) 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes
Advertisement
-
Know the risk factors. Some people are more at risk for developing this bacterial infection than others. Be sure you are aware of the following risk factors so you can watch out for cellulitis. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Diabetes.
- Skin disorders.
- Recent trauma to your skin.
- A weakened immune system.
- Liver diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis.
- Intravenous drug use.
- Infectious diseases that cause sores such as chickenpox or shingles.
- Persistent swelling of your limbs.
- Circulatory issues that directly affect your veins like varicose veins.
- Weight issues like obesity
-
Learn the causes. Several things can cause the development of cellulitis. It is important to know what kinds of things can cause this bacterial infection to prevent its emergence and to stop it from advancing. Cellulitis is caused when streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria penetrate your skin. The following things can allow bacteria to enter. [10] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- Injuries that caused cracks or breaks.
- Bites from spiders or insects.
- Swollen, dry or flaky areas of the skin.
- Areas of the skin disrupted by surgery.
- Ulcers of the skin.
- Fungal infections such as athletes foot.
- Skin rashes like dermatitis.
- Lasting skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema.
- Foreign objects in the skin.
- Infections in your bones that are severe and ongoing.
-
Detect your symptoms. Being able to notice any signs or symptoms early on will help you determine if you are suffering from cellulitis so you can help your infection heal as quickly as possible. [11] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
- Starts with a small affected area.
- Usually affects only one side of your body.
- Redness or swelling.
- Tenderness or pain.
- A fever and warmth in the affected area.
- Dimpling of the skin.
- Blisters or red spots.
-
Understand possible complications. Cellulitis is not contagious but can spread rapidly without quick and proper treatment. When not taken care of immediately, cellulitis complications can occur, potentially even more dangerous and possibly life-threatening. [12] X Research source
- Once bacteria penetrates your skin it can spread very quickly, eventually entering your lymph nodes and bloodstream.
- Your lymphatic drainage system can be impaired as a result of repeated bouts of cellulitis.
- Once the bacteria spreads, it can travel deep into the connective tissue known as fascial lining, causing a very serious skin infection called necrotizing fasciitis.
-
Wear well-fitting and sturdy shoes and avoid walking barefoot. Well-fitting and sturdy shoes are ideal if you are suffering from cellulitis. You can help to avoid additional discomfort, infection, or irritation by wearing shoes that are structured to fit your feet well. Keep clean, cotton socks or shoes on at all times to stay clear of bacteria and maintain cleanliness of the affected area. [13] X Research source
-
Keep good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Every day, use a daily skin cleanser with an antibacterial component, such as Dial, or an antimicrobial.
Advertisement
-
Meet with your primary care provider. Although cellulitis is a rather common skin infection, it can spread very quickly and turn dangerous even faster. Be aware of your infection so you know when seeking medical attention is necessary. [14] X Research source You should seek medical treatment if:
- You experience nausea or vomiting
- Your infection goes from mild to severe rapidly
- You experience terrible pain or numbness in the affected area
- You are running a very high fever along with chills
- The area of the cellulitis is very extensive
- The area affected is around the eyes (periorbital cellulitis is a medical emergency because of close proximity to the brain)
- You have diabetes or are immunosuppressed.
- The affected with cellulitis child is under 2 years of age.
-
Prepare for your appointment. Before meeting with your doctor, be sure to look for signs and symptoms of the infection and take notes to share during your appointment. [15] X Research source
- Be sure to share all pertinent information regarding any recent surgeries, open wounds, animal or insect bites, or injuries.
- Ask questions that will help you to determine the best ways to heal fast.
- Divulge all the medications you’re taking, including the frequency and dosage.
- Communicate clearly to your doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing.
-
Undergo tests. Particular physical and medical exams can be performed to verify that you have cellulitis and rule out other possible infections responsible for your symptoms. These exams can also establish how severe your bacterial infection is to decide the best methods of treatment. [16] X Research source
- Your doctor may suggest a wound culture to determine if a cut is infected and ascertain the type of bacteria that is infecting it.
- Blood tests can also help to make a diagnosis and reveal if the bacterial infection has reached the bloodstream.
- You may get X-rays to detect any foreign objects within your skin that could be causing an infection.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Don’t ignore signs or symptoms of cellulitis or your infection can spread and worsen.Thanks
- Even though cellulitis is quite common, take the infection seriously and treat the affected areas appropriately.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Antibiotics.
- Clean cotton socks.
- Well-fitting shoes.
- Vitamins.
References
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cellulitis/
- ↑ http://www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources/antibiotics/
- ↑ http://www.ecellulitis.com/blog/acupuncture-and-cellulitis-treatment/
- ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15071-cellulitis
- ↑ https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000033.htm
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis
- ↑ http://www.ecellulitis.com/featured/cellulitis-treatment-overview/
- ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cellulitis/Pages/Treatment.aspx
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/Cellulitis.html
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/Cellulitis.html
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cellulitis
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/cellulitis
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis?page=2
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis
- ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/cellulitis
- ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cellulitis/page5_em.htm
About This Article
Article Summary
X
If you think you may have cellulitis, see your doctor right away so you can start treating the infection with antibiotics. You can also care for your infected skin by washing the area with warm water and applying an antibiotic ointment. If your cellulitis is causing you pain, try taking over-the-counter painkillers or using acupuncture therapy to get relief. While your infection is healing, rest the affected area and cover it with a clean bandage. To give your immune system an extra boost and help your body fight the infection, take a supplement containing vitamins C and E. Keep reading for more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to prevent cellulitis!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 122,653 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The pictures and the simple explanations, not complicated. I like the way the article was broken down into parts, and then within each part the explanation and suggestion. Article was done much like the old fashioned "outline" form I learned in school." ..." more
Advertisement
100%
of readers found this article helpful
.
Click a star to add your vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
"The pictures and the simple explanations, not complicated. I like the way the article was broken down into parts, and then within each part the explanation and suggestion. Article was done much like the old fashioned "outline" form I learned in school."
..."
more
"Good information. I didn't know what it was and how to treat it. Now I know what to look for."
"It has given me direction on how to get the needed treatment for my cellulitis."
