More serious infections may require hospitalization for administration of antibiotics via IV and close monitoring for complications and improvement. While complications are rare, they can be serious and life-threatening. Sometimes, severe cellulitis can cause the surrounding tissue to die. Rarely, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, spreading the infection to distant parts of the body.
If you have recurring episodes of cellulitis, your doctor may recommend taking a long-term course of preventive antibiotics to keep the infection at bay. It also may help to visit with a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist to look for other causes of your symptoms.
By Liza Torborg. Certain factors can put you at greater risk of cellulitis, including: Wounds, cuts or incisions Any opening in the skin — from a small scratch or an insect bite to an ulcer or a recent surgery — can provide an entryway for bacteria. Shingles can cause broken blisters that are vulnerable to infection. Itching leads to scratching, and scratching introduces bacteria to deeper layers.
Swelling Skin can become swollen because of damage to your veins edema or the lymphatic system lymphedema or following surgery. Stretched, swollen skin can crack, creating an entry point for bacteria. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin.
The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is increasing. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis. Animal bites can cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.
Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb. Rarely, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It's an extreme emergency. If your cellulitis recurs, your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics. To help prevent cellulitis and other infections, take these precautions when you have a skin wound:.
People with diabetes and those with poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin injury. Good skin care measures include the following:. Here are a few common signs of a cellulitis infection:. If you show any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Sarfraz A. If the symptoms above are accompanied by blistering or red streaks on the skin or feelings of extreme drowsiness or lethargy, seek help immediately, as these are signs that the infection may be spreading.
As with many medical conditions, prevention is key. If you cut yourself or develop any type of wound, wash the area and apply antibiotic ointment as soon as possible.
Cover the injury with a bandage, and change the bandage at least once a day. If you work in an environment teeming with dirt, grime, mud, or chemicals, or if you have a health condition that places you at an increased risk of infection, make personal hygiene a priority.
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