Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin, typically from a cut, scrape, or bite. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain. The skin can also feel warm or hot to the touch.
Though cellulitis is common and can spread quickly throughout your body, it is not contagious. Antibiotics are the most common treatment method for cellulitis.
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What Is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. It can develop on any part of the body, but is most often seen on the legs and feet.
Without treatment, the infection can spread and cause potentially serious complications, including sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause the immune system to overreact.
What are the types of cellulitis?
There are several types of cellulitis, depending on the area of the body impacted and the specific symptoms.
Some types of cellulitis include:
- Breast cellulitis — Affects the breast tissue and is mainly seen in breastfeeding women.
- Facial cellulitis — Affects the nose and mouth.
- Perianal cellulitis — Affects the skin around the anus and can be caused by poor hygiene.
- Periorbital cellulitis — Affects the skin around the eyes and can be caused by an infection in the gums, teeth, or sinus cavities.
How common is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. Each year in the U.S., doctors diagnose about 14 million cases, causing nearly 650,000 hospitalizations.
What causes cellulitis?
Not all bacteria cause cellulitis, but the most common type that does is Group A Streptococcus (Group A strep). Cellulitis is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another.
Staphylococcus bacteria can also commonly cause cellulitis.
Cellulitis risk factors
Cellulitis can occur in anyone, no matter their gender or age.
Some people are more likely to get cellulitis than others, such as those with:
- A recent tattoo or piercing.
- A weakened immune system.
- Broken skin injuries, such as cuts, fractures, burns, animal bites, ulcers, scrapes, or scratched-open bug bites.
- Constant swelling of the arms or legs, especially after surgery.
- Having had cellulitis in the past.
- Infections that break the skin, such as chickenpox or shingles.
- IV drug use.
- Obesity.
- Poor blood circulation.
- Skin problems, such as athlete’s foot, fungal infection, eczema, or psoriasis.
Complications of cellulitis
Though rare, cellulitis can also cause other serious conditions, including:
- Endocarditis — Infection of the heart's chambers or valves.
- Necrotizing fasciitis — Also called flesh-eating disease, it's a severe skin infection that can be fatal.
- Osteomyelitis — Swelling and infection in the bones.
- Phlebitis — Swelling of the veins.
- Sepsis — A dangerous condition that can occur when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
- Septic arthritis in the joints.
How can I prevent cellulitis?
There's no vaccine to prevent cellulitis. The best way to prevent it is to protect broken skin from bacteria and practice good hygiene.
Here are tips for avoiding cellulitis:
- Cover open wounds with a clean, dry bandage until they scab over or heal.
- Don't go near wild animals or other animals that may bite you.
- Don't inject illegal drugs.
- Don't scratch open bug bites or pop blisters on purpose.
- If you're overweight, try to lose weight safely.
- If you have an open cut or infection, avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, ponds, and the ocean.
- Protect your skin when doing things that pose a higher risk of injury, such as skateboarding, rock climbing, bike riding, or hiking.
- See a doctor if you have a deep puncture wound or cut.
- Treat fungal infections promptly.
- Use soap and water to clean all cuts and injuries that break the skin, including scrapes and blisters.
- Wash your hands often and bathe routinely to keep your skin clean.
If you have diabetes, check your feet and lower legs daily for any injuries or cuts. If you notice any, see your doctor.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cellulitis?
The symptoms of cellulitis are easily noticeable.
Look for:
- Itchy skin.
- Pus coming from a wound.
- Red, swollen, painful, or tender areas of the skin.
- Skin that's warm or hot to the touch.
- Smooth, shiny, or blistered skin.
- Skin with tiny pits, like on an orange peel.
Some symptoms are more severe and require urgent medical attention.
If you have any of the following additional symptoms, go to the Emergency Department or an urgent care center right away:
- Black-colored skin near the infection.
- Feeling extremely tired or numb.
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
- Fever or chills.
- Muscle aches.
- Red streaks spreading out from the infected area.
- Shaking or trembling.
When should I see a doctor about my cellulitis symptoms?
If you have any of the above symptoms, talk with your doctor right away. If you are experiencing any of the serious symptoms listed, find the nearest Emergency Department for immediate care.
How Do You Diagnose Cellulitis?
First, you can expect your doctor to ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may perform a physical exam to get a closer look at the infected area(s).
Most people with mild cases of cellulitis don’t need blood tests, but your doctor may order one. This will help your doctor learn what type of bacterial infection you have and how severe it is.
Rarely, imaging tests such as an MRI or X-ray can be used to diagnose cellulitis or other underlying medical conditions contributing to the infection.
Cellulitis prognosis
Thanks to effective antibiotics, people with cellulitis should find relief quickly. However, once you have had cellulitis, the risk of getting it again increases, so it’s essential to know the symptoms and prevention methods to avoid contracting the infection again.
How Do You Treat Cellulitis?
The goal of treating cellulitis is to cure the infection. This begins with antibiotics but also includes proper wound care and elevating the impacted limb.
Antibiotics to treat cellulitis
Doctors treat most cases with antibiotics, usually in the form of a cream you apply to your skin or a pill you swallow.
Some people may need an IV, which sends the medicine directly into the bloodstream and the site of infection.
Most people get better very quickly after they start taking antibiotics for their cellulitis.
Some people have allergies to certain types of antibiotics. Make sure your doctor knows about any drug allergies you may have.
Common side effects of antibiotic treatment for cellulitis include:
- Diarrhea.
- Discomfort in your belly.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea or throwing up.
- Not feeling hungry.
- Rash.
- Yeast infections.
Most people don't need to stay overnight in the hospital for cellulitis.
People who have a larger area of infection or are at a greater risk of other problems may need to stay in the hospital.
Other treatment methods for cellulitis
Wound care is an important part of cellulitis treatment. It’s crucial that any open wounds are covered and changed appropriately.
Resting and elevating the affected limb are also important pillars in treating cellulitis. They help your body heal and reduce swelling.
