You must be wondering about what is the cellulitis after you see your doctor and the doctor pops out the name “cellulitis”.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin illness that affects many people. Approximately 14 million instances of cellulitis are reported each year in the United States. The infection may develop anywhere in the body and, if left untreated, can result in severe consequences.
What is the definition of cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin illness that may be very painful. A discoloured, swollen region that feels hot and sensitive to the touch may be the first sign of a problem. Acute discolouration and swelling may occur within a short period.
Cellulitis will usually look red or pink on those with fair skin. It may look dark brown, grey, or purple when applied to dark skin. The illness most often affects the feet and lower legs, although it may develop elsewhere on the body, even on a person’s face.
Causes
It is possible to develop cellulitis when certain bacteria penetrate the skin via a breach in its surface. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus (strep) are often responsible for this illness.
- Skin injuries, such as the following, may cause the infection to spread.
- cuts
- Bug bites are a common occurrence.
- surgical incisions
Symptoms
Cellulitis symptoms include the following:
- the presence of discomfort and soreness in the afflicted region
- irritation or redness on the surface of your skin
- a skin sore or rash that spreads rapidly on the skin
- Skin that is tight, shiny, and puffy
- on the afflicted area, there is a sensation of warmth
- an abscess that is filled with pus
- fever
Treatment
Cellulitis therapy usually entails taking antibiotics orally for a minimum of 5 days after the infection has occurred. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medications. While in some instances, antibiotics are administered immediately after symptoms are identified, in others, physicians wait many hours or even days before doing so.
Is cellulitis infectious or contagious?
Cellulitis is not typically contagious and does not transfer from person to person. A bacterial skin infection may be acquired if you have an open wound on your skin that comes into contact with skin suffering from an active illness.
What is the procedure for diagnosing cellulitis?
If you are experiencing signs of cellulitis, you should always consult with your doctor first. A life-threatening illness may result if the infection is not treated immediately.
There are, however, certain things you may do at home to alleviate pain and other symptoms of the condition. To begin, you should clean the skin around the region where you have cellulitis.
Takeaway
Cellulitis is a common skin illness that produces inflammation, skin discolouration, and discomfort. A bacterial infection causes it. Complications are rare, although they may be quite serious. If you see any signs or symptoms of cellulitis, you should consult your doctor immediately.
If you develop cellulitis again in the future, you should seek medical attention immediately. If you suffer a cut or other open wound, you may avoid illness by keeping your skin clean. If you have any questions about properly caring for your skin after an accident, see your doctor.
