What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin barrier, causing the infection to spread to the deeper layers of skin (dermis) and tissues below the skin.
“Minor cuts, insect bites or cracks in the skin often allow bacteria to enter. Redness, heat, swelling and pain are typical signs of cellulitis,” says Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy, Consultant Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru (India). If left untreated, minor skin irritations can lead to serious complications, such as abscesses, sepsis and deep tissue infections.
Complications of cellulitis
Ignoring these early signs will allow the infection to penetrate deeper into the tissues and increase the risk of serious complications. Here are some of the complications, listed by Dr. Krishnamurthy:
Abscess formation: Infections can lead to abscesses, pockets of pus that form under the skin. These pockets need to be drained and, if left untreated, can get worse and spread.
Sepsis: This is one of the most dangerous complications of cellulitis. When bacteria spread into the bloodstream, they can cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that leads to widespread inflammation and organ failure.
Lymphadenitis: The infection can spread to the lymphatic system, causing the lymph vessels to become inflamed. This condition can be recognized by red streaks radiating from the infected area.
Deep tissue infection: If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to deeper tissues, including muscles, bones (osteomyelitis), and joints. When the infection reaches this level, treatment becomes difficult and surgery may be required.
How to prevent cellulitis
Here are some measures listed by Dr. Krishnamurthy that you should follow:
Keep wounds clean and covered: Clean and protect any skin breaks promptly to minimize the risk of infection.
Moisturize your skin regularly: Keeping your skin hydrated helps prevent cracking, which allows bacteria to enter.
Treat any skin conditions promptly: Conditions such as athlete's foot, eczema or psoriasis need to be effectively controlled to reduce the risk of infection.
