Cellulitis is an infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin's deep layers. Germs cause cellulitis, and if it spreads to the blood, it may become life-threatening if not treated quickly. "Streptococcus bacteria that live on the skin are the leading cause of cellulitis," explains AmeshAdalja, MD, an emergency care physician and senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. Cellulitis can be caused by a number of other bacteria, not just streptococcus. These include staphylococci, methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus , Streptococci, and Clostridium botulinum. Cracked or injured skin is a prime target for the germs. fungal infections, Scrapes, surgeries, burns,and other conditions can all cause tears in the skin. There is still a risk of infection, even if the break in the skin is too small to see.

What Exactly Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a prevalent infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues. It occurs when germs enter and spread via a skin crack. The consequence is an infection, which may produce inflammation, redness, discomfort, or heat. Circulatory issues, such as insufficient blood flow to your arms and legs, inadequate drainage of your veins or lymphatic system, or varicose veins — twisted, swollen veins close to the surface of the skin — are examples of circulatory difficulties. Chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis are liver diseases—skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and infectious infections that produce sores, such as chickenpox.

Here Are Several Circumstances Associated With An Increased Risk Of Acquiring Cellulitis

Immune System Deficiency

"The human body is the body's means of combating illness," Dr. Adalja explains. The ability to control infection is diminished when the immune system is weakened, and harmful microorganisms are allowed to proliferate and cause damage. Those with impaired immune systems, as a result of conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, or certain drugs, must make extra efforts to maintain clean skin to prevent cellulitis. An additional basic measure to take, as mentioned by Dr. Adalja, is maintaining the spaces in between your toes dry and infection-free. In addition to frequent hand washing, good skin hygiene also involves moisturizing dry skin, scrubbing cuts with warm water and soap, and cutting down on how often you go between baths.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to get cellulitis for two reasons. The presence of the first component has been linked to complications with diabetes. Neuropathy caused by diabetes (damage to the nerves) is common, and it can cause a person to lose sensation in their extremities, most notably their feet. This implies that if you have a foot injury, it may go unnoticed, leaving it susceptible to bacterial infection since it cannot be treated correctly. The second reason diabetes increases your risk for cellulitis is that elevated blood sugar — a characteristic of diabetes — has a detrimental impact on immunological function, enabling bacteria and other infectious microbes to proliferate.

Skin Problems

"Preexisting skin diseases like athlete's foot enable skin germs to reach deeper layers of the skin and cause infection," adds Dr. Adalja. An athlete's foot is characterized by blistering, cracking, or peeling skin under the foot, which permits germs to infiltrate the skin and its layers. Cellulitis risk is also increased by eczema. The skin condition indicates that the skin's protective barrier has been compromised, and you may have an abnormally high number of germs on your skin, both of which may cause infection.

Chronic Swelling

Chronic swelling is a characteristic of lymphedema. As a result, the lymphatic system, which is essential for helping the body fight illness, is not operating correctly. The legs and arms accumulate lymphatic fluid, which contains infection-fighting white blood cells. Possessing this condition increases your risk of developing cellulitis.

Vein Issues

Veins in the legs are responsible for carrying blood back to the heart. However, when someone has varicose veins, the veins' valves become damaged and blood pools in the legs instead of returning to the heart. This causes blood to pool and collect in the legs, resulting in discomfort, swelling, and, in severe instances, open sores. These sores render individuals with venous insufficiency more prone to developing cellulitis since they serve as entry sites for bacteria to enter the deep tissues of the skin readily.

Conclusion

Your healthcare practitioner may likely diagnose cellulitis by examining your skin. There may be a need for a blood test or further diagnostic procedures to rule out other disorders. Cellulitis is often treated with an oral antibiotic prescribed by a doctor. Inform your healthcare practitioner about the infection's response to treatment within three days after starting antibiotic therapy. Even if you begin to feel better, you must complete the antibiotic course, typically for 5 to 10 days.