Cellulitis is the spreading of a bacterial infection in the layers below the surface. Cellulitis is caused by the Streptococcus and staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. These are the same bacteria, which causes impetigo. There are other types of bacteria, which can cause Cellulitis, but these are the most common. A person can get Cellulitis from an insect or animal bite, but can get it when the barrier (skin) is broken such as in surgery or an accident then heals over the bacteria infected area. The area may become red, tender and swell. As the bacteria spreads the patient may experience fever, chills, swollen lymph node glands and sweats surrounding the infected area. The limbs of the body is usually the most likely to be effected by Cellulitis.Edema can cause a person to develop Cellulitis even when there is no break in the skin to allow bacteria to enter. People who have diseases, which diminish the immune system, are more like to get Cellulitis. Anytime there is blood restriction to an area of the body then there is a higher risk of getting Cellulitis. The most widespread cause for developing Cellulitis is the streptococcus bacteria, which is also known as strep. This one varies in the severity of the Cellulitis from only affecting a small area to the dreaded flesh-eating bacteria, which destroys tissues. There are many other types of bacteria, which could cause Cellulitis, but the two mentions in this article are the more common causes.
Cellulitis is painful but is not contagious. The outer skin layer (epidermis) covers the bacteria infection and prevents the spreading from one person to another person. Blood work can be done to test for elevated white blood cells count, which would indicate an infection. Bacteria are usually tested in a culture. In this case, it may prove to be superficial as the bacteria count will be too low to determine what type of bacteria is the culprit of the infection. In this case, most doctors will treat the patient with antibiotics to be on the safe side. In some instances, a hospital stay is required to administer antibiotics intravenously. Some may only need to take oral medications and corticosteroid cream.
Take precautions when thinking of preventing Cellulitis such as wearing protective clothing or equipment when doing outside activities. Never go barefoot while outside. If injured wash the wound immediately with antibacterial soap and apply antibiotic ointment. If you have poor, circulation then takes the proper protection to keep your legs and arms safe from injuries.