Cellulitis is a type of bacterial infection affecting the dermis and other tissues beneath the skin. Individuals who have skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema are at higher risk for developing cellulitis.
Once it spreads deep into the body, it is considered dangerous. Prompt treatment using antibiotics is generally effective. Most cases can be managed at home but treatment in a hospital is needed in some cases.
The infection can affect any body part, but likely to develop in the lower legs and can be quite painful.
What are the indications?
The affected area turns:
- Tender and warm
Some individuals might end up with blisters, spots or dimpling of the skin. - Swollen and inflamed
- Reddened and painful
Some individuals might end up with blisters, spots or dimpling of the skin. In some cases, the individual might experience nausea, fever, chills and shivering.
Management of cellulitis
If an individual has been diagnosed with cellulitis, the following are the commonly used treatment options.
Medications
Antibiotics are generally part of treatment for cellulitis. Some might experience a slight aggravation of the reddened skin upon starting antibiotics, but this later subsides after a few days.
The antibiotics are generally taken for 5-10 days but the treatment might last for 14 days or longer in some cases.
Hospitalization
In severe cases of cellulitis, hospitalization is required especially if the condition is deteriorating, high fever is present, vomiting, does not respond to treatment or has recurrence of cellulitis.
In such cases, antibiotics are administered intravenously in the arm.