How does Cellulitis Develop

A scratch from a cat’s claws may seem harmless but it could develop into a deadly infection.  The scratch may not hurt much and you may even forget about it until your skin begins to swell and turn red and warm.  

Cellulitis is a skin disease or infection that occurs in the tissue within your skin. Cellulitis can affect any area of your body, but often it forms in the lower legs. 

Cellulitis is caused by lots of different types of bacteria but the two most common bacteria found are streptococcus and staphylococcus.  

When bacteria enter broken skin, a cellulitis infection can start to form.  A break in the skin can be caused by something as small as a scratch or an insect bite or it can be caused by a body piercing or tattoo. 

Anything that causes a break in the skin will create a portal for bacteria to enter and increase the risk of infection.  

Skin does not have to be broken for a cellulitis infection to form.  People who are taking medication that affect the immune system or people who have diabetes are more susceptible to cellulitis.    

The beginning of a cellulitis infection will be a small tender area of skin that is warm, swollen and red.  The area will begin to spread and the infected person may begin to feel unwell and in some cases develop chills, sweats and a fever. Swollen glands may be found near the infected area of skin.  The skin may also develop blisters.  

The time it takes for the illness to start causing further symptoms varies and depends on the type of microorganisms that has entered the skin. 

The bacteria found in animal bites for instance have an incubation period of about four to twenty four hours. However, cellulitis caused by other types of bacteria may take several days to cause visible symptoms.  

You can prevent cellulitis by protecting your skin.  If you are active and like to play sports, wear protective equipment. If you go to the beach wear sandals.  If you like to walk in the woods wear long trousers and long sleeved shirts. This is especially important to avoid insect bites.

If you do get a wound, you should wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water. Then use an antibiotic salve and cover the wound with a clean dressing.

You should check the wound regularly to observe whether any symptoms of cellulitis are starting.  If any area of your skin does become red, swollen and warm you should have your doctor examine it to rule out cellulitis.

A doctor can diagnose cellulitis by examining the affected area but a doctor may also check for bacteria by taking blood samples.  Blood cultures that are positive mean bacteria has spread into the bloodstream.  This could indicate a serious infection that will require immediate treatment. 
   
A milder case of cellulitis can be treated by oral antibiotics.  If a doctor prescribes antibiotics it is important that you take them exactly as directed even if the symptoms of the infection are no longer visible. 

If the infection is severe you will probably need to be treated with intravenous antibiotics.  Even if your condition has improved after a few days you should visit your doctor again to insure the infection is clearing and there are no further complications.