Surgery can lead to cellulitis, even rare types like mycobacterial infections. While some bacteria live on the skin at all times and are generally harmless, if they enter the skin, they can cause infection. Cellulitis is basically a visible inflammation (itis) of the skin and soft tissues (red, hot, swollen and tender) . Cellulitis is a skin infection that comes on quickly and can turn serious. Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection which can lead to loss of sight and even spread of bacteria to the meninges or brain. If you have symptoms of cellulitis, see your healthcare provider. Rubbing a sterile cotton-tipped applicator across the skin to collect the sample. A persons skin may also develop blisters or appear pitted, similar to an orange peel. This involves doctors administering antibiotics to prevent infection before it occurs. In addition to identifying the type of bacterium that is causing the cellulitis, the laboratory usually performs antibiotic sensitivity testing in order to determine the antibiotics that will be most effective in treating the bacteria. Pain or tenderness in the affected area. You may also start to notice that your swelling is starting to go down and that the infected area no longer feels very warm. Doctors may mark out an area of skin that has developed cellulitis to monitor a persons recovery. People with cellulitis usually require oral antibiotics and may start to notice an improvement in symptoms in 12 days. Circulatory issues that directly affect your veins like varicose veins. If you have a wound on your skin, keeping it clean and well cared for can help reduce your risk of cellulitis. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. This is the stage where the infection of the cells occur, which is scientifically known as cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch. This should be the final step in your tattoo healing process. Be sure to share all pertinent information regarding any recent surgeries, open wounds, animal or insect bites, or injuries. The CDC explains that doctors typically diagnose the condition by looking at the skin during a physical examination, so they do not usually require blood or other laboratory tests. Communicate clearly to your doctor about the symptoms you have been experiencing. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Watch any breaks in the skin for signs of infection. The infection happens when there is a break in the skin that allows the bacteria to enter. Good hygiene and skin care can help prevent cellulitis. Arch Intern Med. Clin Med (Lond). Inflammation, redness, and warmth in the affected region of your body will likely be the first signs of infection. The following pictures of cellulitis on legs and feet offer a sense of how affected skin may look in both early stages and further on. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Skinsights terms of service and privacy policy. Cellulitis develops when bacteria enter a crack or break in your skin, such as a scratch, bite, or cut. Your health care provider will likely be able to diagnose cellulitis by looking at your skin. Cellulitis may be potentially life-threatening so call your doctor right away if you develop the condition. Cellulitis is a common and sometimes serious bacterial skin infection. Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. Now I know what to look for. Should your cellulitis progress and result in complications, surgery may be required to prevent sepsis. It could also be a breakdown of the skin's integrity due to a skin condition like eczema or athletes foot. Dont ignore signs or symptoms of cellulitis or your infection can spread and worsen. Cellulitis is a relatively common bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it. 2004;164(15):1669-1674. doi:10.1001/archinte.164.15.1669, Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Cellulitis is sometimes accompanied by fever, chills, and general fatigue. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A faint or woozy feeling. However, the infection can spread if not treated properly. Cellulitis complications CA-MRSA previously infected only small segments of the population, such as health care workers and persons using injection drugs. Cellulitis is common and can become severe. You have diabetes or are immunosuppressed. If you develop a tender, red, warm, enlarging area on your skin, make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible to get treatment and to avoid complications that may occur if cellulitis is left untreated. The affected skin is swollen and inflamed and is typically painful and warm to the touch. This article has been viewed 110,374 times. What to know about periorbital cellulitis, What to know about cellulitis from bug bites, What to know about cellulitis and itching. Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a strain of staph bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics in the penicillin family. 2015;92(6):474-483. Symptoms of cellulitis include: Fever with chills and sweating. J Infect. The bacteria can cause cellulitis, a skin infection that causes red, swollen skin and fever. Red streaking may indicate that the infection is spreading. When taking antibiotics, you'll quickly begin to notice that the soreness goes away. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003. Children sometimes have infections with Haemophilus influenza. It responds well to treatment, but can become, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Treating Cellulitis with Antibiotics and Medicine, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid5760888-v4-728px-Treat-Cellulitis-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"