Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the deeper skin layers. This infection can show up anywhere on the skin. With prompt medical care, a cellulitis skin infection typically clears up without any long-term issues. However, without treatment, this skin infection can quickly spread.
Goodskin Dermatology can accurately diagnose and effectively treat cellulitis, helping to prevent pain and complications. Read on to learn more about cellulitis, including what it is, what causes it, and how our dermatologists treat this condition.
What Is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis skin infection occurs when bacteria enter deeper layers of the skin (both the dermis and subcutaneous tissues).
This type of bacterial skin infection is very common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the United States sees more than 14 million cellulitis cases every year.
Because cellulitis affects deeper layers of the skin, this infection has the potential to be dangerous. It can also progress quickly without prompt and proper cellulitis treatment.
Despite similarities in their names, cellulitis and cellulite are very different conditions. Here is what you need to know about cellulitis vs. cellulite:
- Cellulite is a harmless cosmetic change to the skin’s texture. It is not due to an infection.
- Cellulitis is a potentially dangerous bacterial skin infection.
Cellulitis Symptoms
Cellulitis skin infection can show up anywhere on the skin. However, cellulitis on the legs is most common among adults. In contrast, children typically get cellulitis on their face or neck.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), red, swollen skin is the first sign of cellulitis. The skin may feel tight, warm, and tender to the touch as it continues to grow.
Other symptoms of cellulitis include:
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue and malaise (generally feeling unwell)
- Swollen glands or lymph nodes
- A painful rash that may blister or scab over
Symptoms like fever, chills, malaise, and gland swelling can indicate that the infection is spreading. If you experience these issues, you should seek immediate medical care from a dermatologist.
Cellulitis Causes and Risk Factors
Bacteria are what cause cellulitis, and multiple types of bacteria can cause this skin infection. The most common bacterial causes include:
- Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause, per MedlinePlus (NIH). According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), group A strep bacteria are also responsible for other types of infections, such as impetigo.
- Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria can also cause cellulitis, per the Cleveland Clinic. One type of staph bacteria, known as MRSA, is resistant to many common antibiotics. As a result, cellulitis due to MRSA can be especially serious.
Cellulitis can occur when bacteria enter the skin. According to MedlinePlus (NIH), a “bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound” can provide entry points for the bacteria. Other examples of insect bites and surgical wounds.
Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing cellulitis skin infection, including:
- Prior cellulitis
- Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Weakened immune system
- Untreated boil (furuncle)
How Is Cellulitis Skin Infection Diagnosed?
You will need to visit a dermatologist to get a cellulitis diagnosis. The physician will start by asking about your symptoms and performing a clinical examination of the affected area.
Sometimes, your dermatologist may order testing to gain more information before recommending a treatment plan. Common tests for severe cellulitis include:
- A blood test to determine whether the infection has spread
- A skin test to find out which type of bacteria has caused the cellulitis skin infection
These tests can also help your doctor determine whether you have cellulitis or another condition called stasis dermatitis. This condition is different from cellulitis because it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, not an infection.
Cellulitis Treatment Options at Goodskin Dermatology
Because cellulitis skin infection can spread and become life-threatening, prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics is important.
The physicians at Goodskin Dermatology have different treatments available, allowing them to tailor care for your unique needs. Guided by the results of the clinical exam and any tests, your dermatologist may recommend:
- Oral antibiotics like dicloxacillin or cephalexin for mild to moderate cellulitis cases
- IV antibiotics for severe or rapidly spreading infections
Supportive care at home can also help you recover faster and feel better. The Cleveland Clinic recommends:
- Applying a warm compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- Elevating the affected area to improve blood flow.
- Wearing compression wraps or stockings to reduce swelling.
- Taking over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.
How to Prevent Cellulitis
Cellulitis can be painful and dangerous, but thankfully, it’s often possible to prevent it. The following prevention tips can help you avoid this skin infection:
- Practicing proper wound care
- Keeping skin hydrated to prevent breaks in the skin
- Treating conditions like athlete’s foot and eczema
- Managing conditions like diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cellulitis contagious?
Typically, cellulitis is not contagious. However, it is possible to contract the infection after touching an active, open wound.
How do I know if my cellulitis is getting worse?
Several signs suggest that cellulitis is getting worse. These symptoms include rapidly spreading redness or swelling, red streaks extending from the rash, the appearance of pus, and a fever. If you experience these problems, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
How long does cellulitis take to heal with antibiotics?
Most of the time, you should start to feel better after taking cellulitis antibiotics for seven to 10 days.
Can cellulitis come back after treatment?
Yes, cellulitis can return after treatment. In fact, having an initial infection can increase the likelihood of experiencing future episodes of cellulitis.
Treat Cellulitis at Goodskin Dermatology
Cellulitis can be an uncomfortable and potentially dangerous skin infection, but effective treatment is available at Goodskin Dermatology. With convenient Portland-area locations, including Clackamas, Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Troutdale, you can find the Medical Dermatology care you need, close to home.
If you experience symptoms like fever or rapidly spreading swelling and redness, you should contact us to schedule with one of our convenient locations as soon as possible.
