Cellulitis Treatment Online
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Guide for
Cellulitis Treatment Online
By Medical Editor:
Dr. Francesco-Maria Serino, MD, PhD
September, 2024
Summary
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin, causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. It commonly occurs on the legs when bacteria like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus enter through a cut, bite, or skin crack. If untreated, it can spread and become serious.
The infection is usually caused by bacteria entering through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or insect bites. Conditions like foot fungus, skin ulcers, or irritation can increase the risk. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or swelling are more prone to cellulitis.
Treatment involves antibiotics, with most mild cases responding well to oral medication. Severe cases may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Elevating the affected area and addressing any underlying skin issues helps prevent future infections.
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues. It occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a break or crack. The infected area becomes red, swollen, warm, and often painful. Most cases involve the deeper layers of the skin and the fat underneath. Cellulitis can appear anywhere, but it is most commonly found on the legs.
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis is mainly caused by bacteria, typically Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. These bacteria enter the skin through cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or other wounds. Certain conditions like eczema (a skin condition that makes the skin dry and itchy), fungal infections between the toes, and lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid buildup) can increase the risk of cellulitis.
Cellulitis symptoms
The main symptoms of cellulitis include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. The skin might feel tight, and blisters or skin dimpling can occur. Some people may develop fever, chills, or fatigue, which are signs the infection is spreading. The rash is usually not itchy but can be sore.
Cellulitis often presents with a cellulitis rash that appears red and swollen. A cellulitis infection on the leg or other parts of the body commonly occurs after breaks in the skin. Understanding what causes cellulitis can help in preventing it, particularly in cases of cellulitis on the leg where breaks in the skin from conditions like athlete’s foot are common. The early cellulitis rash might be mistaken for an allergic reaction, but the warmth and spread of redness are key signs. Insect bites and bee stings can become infected and lead to cellulitis, particularly if not treated early. Even an infected mosquito bite can turn into cellulitis if not addressed properly.
Cellulitis: when to worry
You should be concerned if the cellulitis spreads rapidly, the redness grows, or if you develop high fever, chills, or blisters. If the infection is near sensitive areas like the eyes or genitals, or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes, you should seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, if the cellulitis follows an insect bite or bee sting, it’s important to monitor closely as the infection can worsen quickly.
Cellulitis healing stages
In the early stages, cellulitis appears as a red, warm area on the skin. Over time, the redness may fade, and the swelling goes down. Any pain should ease as antibiotics take effect. Complete healing can take several days to weeks, depending on the severity. However, even after the infection clears, the skin may remain discolored or slightly swollen for some time.
Did you know that...
It's not easy to differentiate cellulitis from erysipelas, another skin infection. While both are skin infections, they are often hard to tell apart based on symptoms alone. Erysipelas usually presents with a bright red, clearly defined, raised skin patch, while cellulitis typically affects deeper skin layers with poorly defined borders. This subtle distinction is crucial for effective treatment but is not commonly known.
Cellulitis treatment
The treatment for cellulitis primarily involves antibiotics and supportive care, with the specific approach depending on the severity of the infection, the patient’s immune status, and the presence of risk factors like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Antibiotic therapy
- Initial Empiric Therapy: Antibiotics are chosen based on the most likely pathogens. Beta-hemolytic streptococci and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) are the most common causes of cellulitis. Coverage for these bacteria is essential in nearly all cases.
- MRSA Coverage: This is only added if certain risk factors are present, such as a history of MRSA infection, severe sepsis, or certain conditions like drug use or immunocompromise.
Common cellulitis medications
Dicloxacillin
oral tablets
Cefazolin
IV drip
Supportive care
- Raise the Affected Area: Elevating the area where cellulitis is present, like a swollen leg or arm, helps reduce the swelling and improves recovery. For example, if it’s in the leg, you would raise the foot above the knee and the knee above the hip when resting.
- Compression Therapy: Compression bandages are sometimes used to reduce swelling. While they used to be avoided during active infections, they might actually help in some cases, particularly in people with conditions like lymphedema (chronic swelling).
Treating Underlying Issues
Find the Cause: It’s important to treat any underlying problems that might have led to cellulitis. Common causes include athlete’s foot or ulcers, which can provide an entry point for bacteria to infect the skin. Treating these conditions can help prevent cellulitis from coming back.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
For most people, 5 to 6 days of antibiotics are enough to clear up the infection. If the infection is more serious or the person has a weakened immune system, treatment may last longer, up to 2 weeks.
When to go to the hospital
If the cellulitis is severe—like if it spreads quickly, causes high fever, or doesn’t respond to antibiotics—hospital treatment may be needed. In the hospital, antibiotics are given through an IV to get into the system faster.
How can Doctorsa Virtual Care help with a skin infection?
No matter where you are, our platform quickly connects you with doctors for immediate virtual care, available 24/7. A doctor can assess your symptoms and discuss cellulitis treatment online to help with your cellulitis symptoms. You can even receive prescriptions right in your email, along with follow-up care, all from the comfort of wherever you happen to be. It’s the ideal solution for international travelers looking for fast and reliable medical support.
References
Weidinger S, Bieber T, Cork MJ, et al. Safety and efficacy of amlitelimab, a fully human nondepleting, noncytotoxic anti-OX40 ligand monoclonal antibody, in atopic dermatitis: results of a phase IIa randomized placebo-controlled trial. Br J Dermatol 2023; 189:531.
Simpson EL, Reich K, et al. An anti-OX40 antibody to treat moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study. Lancet 2023; 401:204.
Totté JE, van der Feltz WT, Hennekam M, et al. Prevalence and odds of Staphylococcus aureus carriage in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol 2016; 175:687.
Tauber M, Balica S, Hsu CY, et al. Staphylococcus aureus density on lesional and nonlesional skin is strongly associated with disease severity in atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2016; 137:1272.
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How does it work?
99% of our users solve their issue within 1 hour. No waiting, no language barriers, no insurance needed.
Answer a few questions
Just answer a few questions about your cellulitis symptoms and choose a convenient time for your online session. It’s simple and hassle-free, with no need to sign up.
Select and connect
Doctors respond in minutes. Select your preferred one and start your virtual consultation right from your web browser.
7-day free follow-up chat
Reach out to your doctor with any questions you might have, at no extra cost for 7 days following your consultation.
Your questions answered
Is Cellulitis Contagious?
Cellulitis is not contagious, meaning you can’t catch it by touching someone with the infection. It occurs when bacteria, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, enter through a break in the skin, like a cut, scratch, or insect bite. These bacteria live on the skin naturally and only cause infection when they get past the skin’s protective barrier. Since cellulitis starts beneath the skin, in the deeper layers, it isn’t spread by casual contact or being near someone with the infection. However, if the wound that led to cellulitis has pus or drainage, it’s important to keep it clean and covered to prevent spreading bacteria to others, especially people with weaker immune systems.
What Kind of Doctor Treats Cellulitis?
Cellulitis can be treated by a variety of doctors, depending on the severity of the infection. In many cases, a primary care doctor or family physician will manage mild infections with antibiotics and home care instructions. If the cellulitis is more severe, or if it’s related to other health issues like diabetes or poor circulation, you may be referred to a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. For very serious cases, like those that spread quickly or cause other complications, a hospital doctor or emergency room physician may be involved. Surgeons can also be needed if the infection leads to an abscess that requires draining.
How Dangerous is a Cellulitis Infection?
Cellulitis can become dangerous if not treated promptly. While many cases are mild and resolve with antibiotics, cellulitis can spread deeper into tissues and cause serious health problems. If the infection moves into the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Signs that cellulitis is becoming more serious include a rapidly spreading red area, fever, chills, or feeling weak. Early cellulitis rash might just look like redness and swelling, but ignoring it can allow the bacteria to spread, potentially causing tissue damage or leading to conditions like necrotizing fasciitis (a severe, fast-spreading infection). People with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes, are at greater risk of these complications.
Will Cellulitis Heal on Its Own?
Cellulitis will not typically heal on its own without antibiotics. Since it’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary to eliminate the bacteria and stop the infection from spreading. If cellulitis is left untreated, it can worsen, potentially causing severe complications like abscesses or blood infections. Early symptoms like skin redness and swelling might seem manageable, but delaying treatment can lead to more serious health risks. It’s important to see a doctor if you notice signs of cellulitis, especially if the affected area is painful, warm, or growing in size.
How to Get Rid of Cellulitis Fast?
To get rid of cellulitis quickly, the key is to start antibiotic treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics for mild cases, and you should take the full course of medication, even if symptoms improve before you finish. Keeping the affected area elevated helps reduce swelling, and resting the area is crucial for healing. It’s also important to keep the skin clean and follow any care instructions, such as applying warm compresses. Severe cases might require IV antibiotics in the hospital to ensure the infection is treated effectively.
Can Cellulitis Turn Into Sepsis?
Yes, cellulitis can turn into sepsis if the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation and organ damage. Early signs of sepsis include fever, confusion, rapid breathing, and a fast heart rate. If you notice any of these symptoms along with your cellulitis infection, it’s crucial to seek emergency medical care right away. Without prompt treatment, sepsis can lead to organ failure and death, so recognizing the warning signs is important.
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