![]() ![]() Keep the affected limb raised and ask to your doctor about whether you might benefit from compression stockings. When you’re at home, placing a cool, damp cloth on the affected area can help reduce any discomfort. In more severe cases you may need intravenous (IV) antibiotics in hospital. If your cellulitis doesn’t improve, your doctor may switch you to a different antibiotic. Make sure you take the antibiotic exactly as your doctor prescribes. This can help you and your doctor know whether the area affected is getting bigger or smaller. Your doctor or nurse might draw on your skin to outline the area of the cellulitis. In some cases, your doctor may recommend steroids for a short time. While cellulitis is not generally contagious, it's important to always wash your hands before and after touching the infected area.Īs cellulitis can be painful, you may need pain relieving medicines such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). elevating or raising the affected part of your body, if possible.This can help them find out which bacteria is causing your infection, and which antibiotics will be the most effective. If there is discharge from your skin, they may take a swab to send for testing. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and then examine the affected part of your skin. have swelling in an arm or leg, such as with lymphoedema.have poor circulation or a weakened immune system.You’re also more likely to get cellulitis if you: You’re more likely to get cellulitis if you have a skin condition that makes you itchy and are more likely to scratch. However, it may happen without any visible damage to your skin.Ī common cause of cellulitis is scratching your skin with dirty fingernails that carry bacteria. It can also happen if you already have a skin problem like eczema, psoriasis, scabies or acne, or after surgery. The infection usually happens when bacteria enter your skin through an ulcer, cut, scratch or insect bite. These bacteria normally live on your skin without causing any harm, but if your skin is broken they can infect your tissues and cause cellulitis. Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus (‘ staph’) are the most common bacteria involved. What causes cellulitis?Ĭellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It can affect any part of the body.ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. Signs of cellulitis include red, painful, and swollen skin that is warm to touch. If you have cellulitis, the affected area of your skin may be: There’s also a small chance of developing serious complications. If you have cellulitis, you can quickly become very unwell. This is called septicaemia, and can trigger sepsis, which is a medical emergency. Sometimes, bacteria from cellulitis can spread into your blood stream. you have diabetes, a weakened immune system or if you are a smoker.the redness is spreading very quickly or is very painful.It is particularly important to get urgent medical help if: If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it's important to get medical attention as soon as possible. It can become serious if it’s not treated quickly with antibiotics.Ĭellulitis can occur on any part of your body including your face. Related information on Australian websitesĬellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin spreading to the tissues under your skin.If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it's important to get medical attention as soon as possible.If your infection is severe, you may also have symptoms like fever and nausea.You may have cellulitis if you have an area of skin that is warm, red, tender and very painful.It often affects your lower leg but can occur anywhere on your body.Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria.
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