OVERVIEW

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue under the skin. It most often affects the legs, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Cellulitis usually starts as a small area of redness, swelling, and pain. The redness and swelling quickly spread and the skin becomes hot and tender. Cellulitis can cause fever, chills, and weakness. If not treated, cellulitis can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life-threatening.

Cellulitis is most often caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut or crack. The bacteria then multiply and cause the redness, swelling, and pain. Cellulitis is more common in people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lymphedema, or a history of venous insufficiency. Treatment for cellulitis usually includes antibiotics and rest.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of cellulitis may include the following:

• An irritated area of skin that tends to expand.
• Pain
• Fever
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Chills
• Skin dimpling.

CAUSES

Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin.

Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter broken, dry, flaky or swollen skin, such as through a recent surgical site, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete’s foot or dermatitis.

TREATMENT

Available treatments we offer, include but are not limited to:

• Oral antibiotics (Doxycycline or Cephalexin).