March 20, 2024
What is infectious cellulitis and how does it occur?
Infectious cellulitis, as its name suggests, is a common bacterial skin infection that can have serious complications for people who suffer from it, as the affected skin causes inflammation, pain, and is hot to the touch. The places on the body where infectious cellulitis can appear are: the lower legs, face, arms, feet and other areas.
Infection usually occurs when there is a break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter. If left untreated, infectious cellulitis can affect the internal tissues, spreading through the lymph nodes and bloodstream. It is important to emphasize that it is not a contagious disease.
As it is a disease that could be fatal if not treated, we present some of its symptoms:
Infection usually occurs when there is a break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter. If left untreated, infectious cellulitis can affect the internal tissues, spreading through the lymph nodes and bloodstream. It is important to emphasize that it is not a contagious disease.
As it is a disease that could be fatal if not treated, we present some of its symptoms:
Symptoms of infectious cellulitis
Infectious cellulitis usually manifests itself with great sensitivity to touch. Some additional symptoms are:
- Pain and tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling or redness of the skin
- Stretched, shiny and inflamed skin
- Fever
- Blisters
- Red spots
- Irritation of the affected area
However, if cellulite worsens, symptoms can escalate to:
- Shaking chills
- hot skin
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Feeling unwell
- Muscle pains
- Lethargy
It is essential to determine that bacteria are the main causes and that they are abundant on the skin, especially if there is no adequate hygiene.
Main factors that can increase the risk of suffering from infectious cellulitis
- Unattended skin injuries: cuts, burns, scrapes that have not been disinfected and healed correctly.
- Previous skin diseases: eczema and herpes that cause cracks in the skin and leave it exposed to the entry of bacteria.
- History of previous cellulitis: makes the person more likely to have it happen again.
- Chronic swelling of the arms and legs, known as lymphedema.
- Weakened immune system: in the presence of bacteria, the immune system acts as a defender of the body. However, when the defenses are low, an infection can develop.
As a measure to avoid the causes of infectious cellulitis, it is important that we learn to properly care for skin wounds.
When you should consult a doctor for infectious cellulitis
Now that we are clear about what it is, the symptoms and possible causes of infectious cellulitis, we will also explain when you should seek emergency care:
- You have a swollen, tender rash or a rash that changes rapidly.
- You have a fever.
Consult, preferably on the same day, if the following happens:
- You have a rash that is swollen, tender, and warm, spreading, but you do not have a fever.
Remember that constantly caring for and checking your skin is one of the greatest acts of self-love that will help you avoid diseases.
Sources
Cellulitis
Everything you need to know about cellulite
Symptoms and causes of infectious cellulitis
Carolina Cardona Valencia, Social Communicator
For Satori Beauty
