“Constantly rubbing my eyes when I was stressed caused my lower eyelid to become red and swollen,” says Tamanna Sheik, 15, a student from Bengaluru. Despite the redness and raw pain, she continued rubbing her eyes and this exacerbated the swelling and redness.
Her mother noticed it and took her to a doctor immediately. “I’m thankful to my mother for helping me get a diagnosis in time,” the girl says.
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin, particularly the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. “It is typically caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus species of bacteria entering the skin through a cut, wound or insect bite,” says Dr T N Rekha Singh, dermatologist at Oliva Skin and Hair Clinic, Bengaluru.
It is important to identify and treat cellulitis early because it can progress quickly and lead to sepsis. Although treatable, sepsis can be very painful.
What do the numbers say?
According to a clinical study of lower limb cellulitis authored by Venkata Narayana Badipatla and published in the International Surgery Journal in 2022, cellulitis strikes men (57 per cent) more than women (43 per cent).
Unilateral limb (either a leg or an arm) was involved in 94 per cent of the patients while bilateral involvement (any two limbs and in parallel) was seen in the other 6 per cent of affected people. Although it can affect any body part, it is most prevalent on the lower legs in regions surrounding the shin and ankle. The arms, face, and neck areas can also commonly get affected.
According to a 2018 study published in the National Library of Medicine by specialist registrar Tadhg Sullivan, the treatment success rates are almost 90 per cent.
Symptoms and risks
“Individuals often experience redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. The skin may feel warm or hot, and the redness may expand over time if it remains untreated. In some cases, one may also develop fever, chills, rapid heart rate, or confusion indicating the severity,” says Dr Anna Chacon author and dermatologist based in Florida.
Severe cases of cellulitis may cause blisters or red streaks on the skin. If left untreated, bacteria can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream, causing the lymph nodes nearby to become enlarged and tender.
“Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic skin conditions or circulatory problems are prone to developing cellulitis,” says Dr Chacon. People who have diabetes or are obese are also at risk. Those who have had cellulitis before are at higher risk for a repeat occurrence.
The treatment
“Individuals should seek medical attention if they have severe symptoms, especially if they have a fever or if the area of redness expands,” says Dr Singh. Early treatment is crucial for preventing the infection from spreading and causing serious complications.
The treatment usually involves antibiotics like dicloxacillin and cephalexin to target bacterial infection. Mild cases are prescribed oral antibiotics, while severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics in a hospital setting. Individuals must essentially complete the full course of antibiotics even if the symptoms subside.
Managing it at home?
While home remedies cannot replace medical treatment, they may help in mild cases of cellulitis alongside prescribed antibiotics. These self-care practices include:
- Keep the area clean by washing with a mild soap and water and keeping it dry.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent irritation.
- The affected area can be raised to reduce swelling.
- If there is discomfort, apply warm, moist compresses to the affected area.
- If there is pain and fever, consider getting plenty of rest and also taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
It is important to remember that self-care practices should not replace medical evaluation and treatment, especially for moderate to severe cases of cellulitis. The best course of action is always to seek guidance and the appropriate treatment from a healthcare expert. Hence, do not worry when cellulitis gets under your skin, the best course of action is to seek guidance and the appropriate treatment to lose it.
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