Cellulitis

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Cellulitis is a common bacteria infection of the dermis, tissues of the skin. This infection usually looks like a red and swollen area which can be itchy, hot to touch and can lead to fever. As time goes on, the redness and swelling begins to spread which can be so painful.

Some types bacteria do appear "natural" and usually "harmless". However, when they go deep into the skin and can cause infection. Streptococcus and staphylococcus are the main causes of cellulitis, other bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae ,
Pneumococcus, and Clostridium may also lead to the infection. This infection usually affects the skin of lower part of legs, although it is not limited to that area only as it can appear on any part of your body.

Cellulitis is often common among middle-aged and elderly people but it can affect anybody (female, male, young and old) at any age. Though it is not contagious but can be complicated if not proper care is not taken. If it spread all over the body, it can become a critical situation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Cellulitis are usually pain or tenderness, swollen skin, rashes, redness and can sometimes be itchy. The redness or hotness of the affected area usually makes the area feels warm, and it is not quickly identified, it can spread all over the body which can lead to fever.

Causes

The major causes of this infection are Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria. It can also be caused by other types of bacteria such as Hemophilus influenzae, Pasteurella multocida etc

Scientists have figured out that if a person has one or more family members with this infection such person is likely to develop cellulitis.

Skin injuries such as cuts, insect bites , or surgical incisions have also been linked to the cause of cellulitis. Some factors that can increase the risk of developing this infection. Factors such as disease or infection such as diabetes, eczema, athlete’s foot, a weak immune system etc.

Treatment

Cellulitis can be treated through antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is the most common treatment of cellulitis. Antibiotics such as Penicillins, Amoxicillin, Cephalexin, Vancomycin, etc. For critical condition, case whereby the infection has advanced deeper into the body which can be life threatening, it may be necessary to spend a night in a hospital to receive proper treatment. They will attend to you properly and administer antibiotics to you intravenously or by injection to clear up the infection quickly.