Abscesses Skin abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. Cellulitis Cellulitis Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues immediately beneath the skin. This infection is most often caused by streptococci or staphylococci. Redness, pain, and Cellulitis involving the soft tissues under the skin is generally not contagious, but it can be somewhat contagious depending on what bacteria is causing the cellulitis and whether there are any blisters, fluid, or pus oozing out, which make it easier to spread.
Cellulitis may itch a bit, but most people usually describe it as uncomfortable or slightly painful. Cellulitis in the skin most typically appears red, feels warm, and is tender to the touch.
The skin may be slightly swollen and pitted like the skin of an orange. Sometimes there are blisters. The danger of cellulitis varies depending on what type of bacteria are involved, how deep the infection goes, how large the affected area is, and whether the person has any immune system disorder or other serious health problem.
Generally, a small patch of cellulitis in a healthy person is not dangerous. Cellulitis that spreads widely or deeply can be life threatening. With treatment, a small patch of cellulitis in a healthy person can resolve in 5 days or so.
The more severe the cellulitis and the more medical problems the person has, the longer it can take to resolve. Very severe cellulitis may last 2 weeks or more, even with treatment in the hospital. Cellulitis can be a staph infection. Staph and strep streptococcus Streptococcal Infections Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus.
Yes, cellulitis can spread rapidly within the soft tissues under the skin depending on factors such as the type of bacteria causing it and the person's immune system. Merck and Co. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world. The Manual was first published in as a service to the community.
Learn more about our commitment to Global Medical Knowledge. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Common Health Topics. What is cellulitis? Is cellulitis contagious? Does cellulitis itch? What does cellulitis look like? Is cellulitis painful? How dangerous is cellulitis infection? How long does cellulitis last? Is cellulitis a staph infection? Can cellulitis spread?
Bacterial Skin Infections. Test your knowledge. Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if:.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if:. Enter X in the search box to learn more about "Cellulitis: Care Instructions". Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Brian D. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. When should you call for help? Where can you learn more? Top of the page. Your Care Instructions Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria, most often strep or staph. Or, lie on a sofa with your foot on two or three thick cushions.
When in bed, put your foot on several pillows so that it is higher than your hip. Alternatively, empty a deep drawer and put it under the mattress at the foot of your bed. You may need to keep your foot elevated as much as possible for a few days.
However, to aid circulation, you should go for short walks every now and then and wiggle your toes regularly when your foot is raised. If you have cellulitis in a forearm or hand , a high sling can help to raise the affected area. Cellulitis may not always be preventable, particularly in the elderly or people with a weak immune system.
However, the following may help to reduce your risk of developing cellulitis in some cases:. Thankfully not! The infection is deep in the skin, not on the surface. You can't catch cellulitis by touching it, nor do you have to wear gloves if touching the skin of someone with cellulitis. I am 65 years old male in the UK, and I have severe red itchy areas on my lower legs that flare up from time to time, and I am frequently given antibiotics or even put on an antibiotic drip for this Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.
Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this series. In this article What are cellulitis and erysipelas? What causes cellulitis? Who gets cellulitis? What are the symptoms of cellulitis? What does cellulitis look like?
Where does cellulitis occur? Is there anything else cellulitis could be? Why is cellulitis so painful? Is cellulitis serious? What is the treatment for cellulitis? When do I need to worry with cellulitis? How can I prevent cellulitis?
0コメント