Treatment FAQ

what is celluitis and what is treatment for it

by Daniella Hyatt MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the tissue beneath your skin. Anyone can get cellulitis, but the risk is higher if you have a skin wound that allows bacteria to enter your body easily or a weakened immune system. Treatment includes antibiotics.Apr 18, 2022

Medication

These tips may apply not just for cellulitis on back of legs, but for other areas as well:

  • Avoid exposing the affected area to any chemical product or skin products that can irritate or aggravate the condition.
  • Get a sterile bandage, deep it in clean warm water and apply on the infected area. ...
  • Always exercise to keep your body stronger to fight the infection.

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Procedures

  • 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

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Self-care

Cellulitis healing stages look like this: Reduced pain in the area of infection. Less firmness in the affected area. The swelling decreases over time. Redness is almost faded or diminished. It is necessary to keep in mind, that sometimes before the medicine kicks in, the symptoms of cellulitis may get worse before getting better.

Nutrition

Top Natural Home Remedies for Cellulitis

  1. Take antibiotics. In fact, taking antibiotics is not listed in home remedies for cellulitis. ...
  2. Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil should be one of the very first home remedies for cellulitis thanks to its antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties [ 4].
  3. Coconut Oil. ...
  4. Turmeric. ...
  5. Calendula. ...
  6. Oregano. ...
  7. Manuka Honey. ...
  8. Fenugreek. ...
  9. Garlic. ...
  10. Echinacea. ...

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What is the best way to treat cellulitis?

How long does it take cellulitis to heal?

What are the healing stages of cellulitis?

Are there natural remedies for cellulitis?

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What is the main cause of cellulitis?

What causes cellulitis. Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria can infect the deeper layers of your skin if it's broken, for example, because of an insect bite or cut, or if it's cracked and dry. Sometimes the break in the skin is too small to notice.

What is the fastest way to get rid of cellulitis?

Treatment for cellulitis, which is an infection of the skin and tissues, includes antibiotics and addressing any underlying condition that led to the infection. Home remedies can also help cellulitis go away faster, such as keeping the area dry, using antibiotic ointments, rest, and elevating the affected leg or arm.

What is the best treatment for cellulitis?

The best antibiotic to treat cellulitis include dicloxacillin, cephalexin, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, or doxycycline antibiotics.

How long does cellulitis take to heal?

With treatment, a small patch of cellulitis in a healthy person can resolve in 5 days or so. The more severe the cellulitis and the more medical problems the person has, the longer it can take to resolve. Very severe cellulitis may last 2 weeks or more, even with treatment in the hospital.

Is cellulitis caused by poor hygiene?

Cellulitis usually appears around damaged skin, but it also occurs in areas of your skin with poor hygiene. You can maintain good skin hygiene by: Washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Cleaning and trimming your fingernails and toenails.

What should you avoid if you have cellulitis?

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. If you have swelling in your legs (edema), support stockings and good skin care may help prevent leg sores and cellulitis. Take care of your feet, especially if you have diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of infection.

How do you get cellulitis infection?

Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.

Can you catch cellulitis from someone?

Experts do not know how the bacteria get into the body for many people who get cellulitis. Sometimes the bacteria get into the body through openings in the skin, like an injury or surgical wound. In general, people cannot catch cellulitis from someone else.

What does cellulitis look like on legs?

Cellulitis initially appears as pink-to-red minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, and tender and increase in size as the infection spreads. Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. Blisters or pus-filled bumps may also be present.

What is good for cellulitis on legs?

Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription oral antibiotic. Within three days of starting an antibiotic, let your health care provider know whether the infection is responding to treatment. You'll need to take the antibiotic for the full course, usually 5 to 10 days, even if you start to feel better.

Can cellulitis turn into sepsis?

Conditions such as cellulitis (inflammation of the skin's connective tissue) can also cause sepsis.

Does drinking water help cellulitis?

Tips include: drinking plenty of water. keeping the affected area raised to help reduce swelling and pain. regularly moving the affected part of the body to help prevent stiffness.

Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Karthikeya T M
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment includes self care, antibiotics and in rare cases, surgery.
Medication

Antibiotics: Antibiotic is chosen based on the suspected bacterium causing infection. Cephalosporins are recommended for cellulitis without abscess.

Dicloxacillin . Amoxicillin . Cephalexin

Procedures

General surgery: In rare cases, doctor may open up the wound, clear pus and other dead cells.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

Taking rest and keeping the legs (infection area) elevated to avoid swelling.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Eat plenty of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits. vegetables such as beans, carrots, beetroots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, ridge guard, and cucumber are helpful.
  • Increase the intake of essential omega-3 fatty acids from seeds and nuts like – almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds
  • Drink a lot of fresh fruit juices and ensure adequate hydration to flush away the toxins
  • Food rich in flavonoids such as onion, garlic, ginger, grape seeds and cranberries are also beneficial

Foods to avoid:

  • Milk and other dairy products such as butter, cheese and ghee are known to worsen symptoms.
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Oily and fried Food
  • Caffeinated products

Specialist to consult

General surgeon
Specializes in the surgery.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

Complications

  • Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin is swollen and inflamed and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs, but it can occur on the face, arms and other areas. The infection happens when a break in the skin allows bacteria to enter. Left u...
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prevention

  • Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body. Its signs and symptoms may include: 1. An irritated area of skin that tends to expand 2. Swelling 3. Tenderness 4. Pain 5. Warmth 6. Fever 7. Chills 8. Spots 9. Blisters 10. Skin dimpling
See more on mayoclinic.org

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