Cellulitis is a very common and potentially life threatening bacterial skin infection. The affected skin is swollen and inflamed and is inflamed, typically painful.
Cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin. But if left untreated, it can spread into the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs but it can also occur on the face, arms and other areas. The infection happens when a break in the skin allows bacterial to enter.
As earlier said, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly becomes life-threatening. It rarely spread from person to person.
Risk Factors
Several factors increases the risk of cellulitis. It includes:
Injury: Any cut, scrape or burn, fracture gives bacteria an entry point.
Weakened Immune: Conditions that weaken the immune system are Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Leukemia ; they increase the risk of infection. Certain medications can also weaken the immune system.
Skin Conditions: Conditions such as atopic dermatitis(eczema), athlete's foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin of which give bacteria and entry point.
Long Term(chronic) swelling of the arms or legs(lymphedema). This condition sometimes happens after surgery.
History of Cellulitis: Having had cellulitis before increases the risk of getting it again.
Overweight: Excess weight increases the risk of developing cellulitis.
SYMPTOMS
Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body. Signs and symptoms includes...
-An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
-Swelling
-Tenderness
-Pain
-Warmth
-Fever
-Chills
-Spots
-Blisters
-Skin Dimplings
Cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin. But if left untreated, it can spread into the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
Cellulitis usually affects the lower legs but it can also occur on the face, arms and other areas. The infection happens when a break in the skin allows bacterial to enter.
As earlier said, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly becomes life-threatening. It rarely spread from person to person.
Risk Factors
Several factors increases the risk of cellulitis. It includes:
Injury: Any cut, scrape or burn, fracture gives bacteria an entry point.
Weakened Immune: Conditions that weaken the immune system are Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Leukemia ; they increase the risk of infection. Certain medications can also weaken the immune system.
Skin Conditions: Conditions such as atopic dermatitis(eczema), athlete's foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin of which give bacteria and entry point.
Long Term(chronic) swelling of the arms or legs(lymphedema). This condition sometimes happens after surgery.
History of Cellulitis: Having had cellulitis before increases the risk of getting it again.
Overweight: Excess weight increases the risk of developing cellulitis.
SYMPTOMS
Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body. Signs and symptoms includes...
-An irritated area of skin that tends to expand
-Swelling
-Tenderness
-Pain
-Warmth
-Fever
-Chills
-Spots
-Blisters
-Skin Dimplings
