Cellulitis - Medtick

Cellulitis

What is it?

It is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin mainly caused by the bacteria  and/or by a fungus.

  • The infection enters via cracks in the skin (which may not be visible through the naked eye).
  • It occurs when the bacteria or fungus moves down the layers of the skin through an opening i.e. a cut or a graze.
  • It can affect all ages.
  • It is common in face, arms and/or hands and /or lower legs
If an arm or leg is involved, you can raise (elevate) the affected body part to reduce or prevent swelling.

Do not wait, if one develops swollen lymph nodes, streaks on skin from injury site and feeling unwell, one may have lymphangitis, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. Please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.

Cause

Illicit drugs

Medication

  • Taking medication via injection or intravenously.

Symptoms

  • Hot, red, inflamed and swollen skin?
  • Blistered skin?
  • Pustules skin (skin with spots)?
  • Abdominal pain and/or are constant violently vomiting or vomiting longer than two days (one day if a child)?
  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
  • Swollen lymph glands (lumps on side of neck, armpits, and groin) and/or reoccurring mouth ulcers?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait, phone for an ambulance if have or develop:


This condition can lead to:

Do not wait, if one develops swollen lymph nodes, streaks on skin from injury site and feeling unwell, one may have lymphangitis, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. Please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.

General tips


This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Cellulitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).