Cellulitis Infection “A Bacterial skin Infection”

• Cellulitis is a very common but potentially bacterial infection of the skin.
• It is the infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues, Such as surgical wound, cut, ulcer, burn, or some skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis
• Cellulitis may appear as red spot, swollen area which feel tender and hot in touch.
• It occurs when bacteria enters into the skin and spread, resulting causes infection.
• This bacterial infection causes swelling around wound, redness and pain.
• In most of the cases, lower legs are commonly affected, although cellulitis infection can occur anywhere on the body.
• Cellulitis infection mostly affects the surface i.e. epidermis of the skin, but it may also affect the underneath tissue.
• Cellulitis may also spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream.
• Severe cellulitis may show bullae and can progress to dermal necrosis.
•  Its constant features are erythema, blistering, swelling, superficial hemorrhage and pain or tenderness.

What Are The Different Types Of Cellulitis?

Cellulitis infection is mainly classified into five types:

• Orbital Cellulitis
• Perianal Cellulitis
• Periorbital Cellulitis.
• Facial Cellulitis
• Breast Cellulitis

Symptoms of Cellulitis Infection

Sign and symptoms of Cellulitis infections include:

• Redness or inflammation of the skin
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• A feeling of warmth in the wound
• A fever
• An abscess with pus formation
• Swelling

Some common symptoms of a more serious Cellulitis infections are:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Shaking
• A feeling of illness
• Drowsiness
• Blistering
• Red streaks

Cause of Cellulitis Infection

• The cause of Cellulitis infection is due to one or more types of bacteria, which enter the body through cut in the skin.
• Streptococcus and staphylococcus are the two most common types of bacteria, which are responsible for cellulitis infection.
• Less common are: H. influenza, S. pneumonia.

Risk factors for Cellulitis Infection

•  Skin infection that causes breaks in the skin, such as eczema.
• Diabetes
• Intravenous drug use
• A weakened immune system
• Family history of Cellulitis
• Liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.

Prevention of Cellulitis Infection

• Immediate wash injured skin with soap and water.
• Practice good hygiene and keep skin clean.
• Puncture wound deeper than ½ inch.
• Crushed tissue that bleeds.

Diagnostic tests for cellulitis infection

•  A blood test
• X-ray imaging, if there is an infection is suspected to have spread to the blood.
• Culture to be taken.

Home Remedies for Cellulitis Infection

There are several antibiotics via IV or IM which can be given to the infected people. But here are some home remedies which people can use without any side-effect.

Here are the home remedies for cellulitis Infection

Tea Tree Oil:

• Tea tree oil or Melaleuca oil has well known and potent antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This oil is widespread use in the treatment of skin infections.
• Clinical trials show that it is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Tea tree oil is highly beneficial for treating cellulitis infection.
• It is very effective in treating acne also.

Coconut Oil:

• Coconut oil is used generally to moisturize our skin. It has anti-septic properties and contains fatty acids, like lauric acid which helps to fight bacteria.
• Monolaurin, fatty acid found in coconut is able to inhibit both gram positive and gram negative bacteria isolated from skin infections.
• It has significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
• Coconut oil used for the skin and has healing properties.

**Apply coconut oil on the affected area.

**Leave it for a few hours and then wash it off.

**Reapply several times a day.

Turmeric:

• Turmeric has an active component Curcumin which has anti- inflammatory properties.
• It is a powerful natural antibiotic and antiseptic to prevent and treat cellulitis.
• Turmeric is used in several dermatological problems like psoriasis, eczema, acne, wound healing, and keloids.
• Turmeric blocks or promotes molecular pathways that are involved in these diseases.

**Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and boil it.

**You can also add a little honey.

**Drink this turmeric milk once or twice daily

• Moreover, you can take 500mg of Curcumin powder, three times daily.

Calendula:

• Calendula flower are used as decoction traditionally, to treat various skin conditions caused by bacteria.
• Calendula flower is very good for tender and inflamed skin and fights with infection.
• According to one study, calendula flower extract have inhibitory activity against like S. aureus.

Hot or Cold Compress:

You Will Need Hot bottle water or ice pack

*Take a hot water bottle or an ice pack and apply it directly to the affected area.

*People can do this 2 to 3 times every day

*This process reduces pain and inflammation.

Honey:

• Honey is rich in phytochemicals like methylglyoxal (MG).
• These phytochemicals are very effective in controlling staphyloccocus infections.

Fenugreek:

• Fenugreek seeds have flavonoids that reduce inflammation and infections.
• Fenugreek seeds have saponins and protein and also rich in polyphenols that are responsible for its therapeutic properties.
• It has antibacterial activity.