Cellulitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue. It causes redness, swelling, and pain and requires prompt medical treatment.
Things worth knowing about "Cellulitis"
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection affecting the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue. It causes redness, swelling, and pain and requires prompt medical treatment.
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, including the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It should not be confused with cosmetic cellulite (dimpled skin). Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, it most commonly affects the lower legs and face.
Causes
Cellulitis is typically caused by bacteria that enter the skin through cuts, cracks, insect bites, or other skin injuries. The most common causative organisms are:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus)
- Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
Risk factors include diabetes mellitus, a weakened immune system, chronic oedema, obesity, and a previous history of cellulitis.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of cellulitis include:
- Redness and warmth in the affected area
- Swelling and a feeling of tightness
- Pain or tenderness to the touch
- Fever and general feelings of illness in more severe cases
- Possible development of blisters or abscess formation
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin. Additional investigations may include:
- Blood tests to detect elevated inflammatory markers such as CRP and white blood cell count
- Wound swabs or blood cultures to identify the causative organism in severe cases
- Imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI to rule out abscess formation or necrotising fasciitis
Treatment
Antibiotic Therapy
The primary treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics. Mild cases are typically treated with oral antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, or cephalosporins. Severe or rapidly worsening infections may require hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics.
Supportive Measures
- Elevating the affected limb to help reduce swelling
- Pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Regular medical follow-up to monitor healing progress
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If the redness spreads rapidly, fever is high, pain becomes severe, or numbness develops, seek emergency medical care immediately. These may be signs of necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening complication.
Prevention
Preventive measures include thoroughly cleaning and covering wounds, moisturising dry or cracked skin, treating fungal infections such as athlete's foot promptly, and attending regular medical check-ups when known risk factors are present.
References
- Stevens DL et al. - Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 59(2), e10-e52 (2014).
- Eron LJ et al. - Managing skin and soft tissue infections: expert panel recommendations on key decision points. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 52 (Suppl 1), S3-S17 (2003).
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Report on Surveillance (2014).
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