Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. Beta-hemolytic streptococci bacteria commonly cause it.
Cellulitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common Symptoms:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth around the affected area
- Painful to touch
It’s important to note that cellulitis is not the same as a skin abscess. Unlike abscesses, cellulitis does not involve a collection of pus under the skin.
Diagnosis:
- Early Diagnosis: Your physician’s clinical examination is crucial in identifying cellulitis promptly, allowing for early intervention and better outcomes.
- Additional Tests: In severe cases or high-risk patients (e.g., those with weak immune systems), blood cultures, inflammatory markers like CRP, and white blood cell count may be ordered. A CT scan may be necessary for more serious infections.
Treatment of Cellulitis
Emergency Medical Treatment:
- If cellulitis is accompanied by fever, chills, and body aches, or if the infection is severe, hospitalization may be required for immediate treatment.
Oral Antibiotics:
- Common antibiotics for treating cellulitis include:
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Clindamycin
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
- Doxycycline
Pain Management:
- Painkillers may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.
Abscess Management:
- If a skin abscess is present, incision and drainage may be necessary to remove the pus.
Recovery and Prevention
- Recovery Time: With proper antibiotic treatment, most patients can expect to recover from cellulitis within a manageable timeframe of 7 to 10 days.
- Care Tips: Keep the affected area clean during recovery.
- Recurrence: Cellulitis can recur, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Cellulitis: Important Note
The size of the cellulitis-affected area and redness may not immediately improve after antibiotics and can continue growing for up to 48 hours.
QuickMD offers a convenient solution for cellulitis treatment. Through our telemedicine technology, you can receive medical care from the comfort of your home. We can even prescribe antibiotics online, and no insurance is required.
