Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection of your skin. Cellulitis can be caused by normal skin flora or by exogenous bacteria, and often occurs where the skin has previously been broken. Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender, and it may spread rapidly. Skin on the face or lower legs is most commonly affected by this infection, though cellulitis can occur on any part of your body. Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus are the most common of these bacteria, which are part of the normal flora of the skin but cause no actual infection until the skin is broken.Cellulitis may be superficial — affecting only the surface of your skin but cellulitis may also affect the tissues underlying your skin and can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.

Cellulitis may progress to serious illness by uncontrolled spread adjacently or via the lymphatic or circulatory systems. In the US cellulitis is a common infection with an incidence of approximately 2-3 cases per 100 people per year. Facial cellulitis occurs more commonly in adults older than 50 years and in children aged 6 months to 3 years. Cellulitis typically begins as a small, inflamed area of pain, swelling, warmth, and redness on a child's skin. As this red area begins to spread, the child may begin to feel sick and develop a fever, sometimes with chills and sweats. Other symptoms can include fever or chills and headaches. In advanced cases of cellulitis, red streaks (sometimes described as 'fingers') may be seen traveling up the affected area. People at risk for developing cellulitis include those with trauma to the skin.

Other medical problems such as diabetes , Circulatory problems such as defective blood flow to the limbs, poor venous or lymphatic drainage, or varicose veins , and liver disease such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis and skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, infectious diseases that cause skin lesions such as chickenpox, or severe acne. Cellulitis can be serious, and possibly even deadly, so prompt treatment is important. Antibiotics are given to control infection, and analgesics may be needed to control pain. Good hygiene and good wound care lower the risk of cellulitis. Changing bandages daily or when they become wet or dirty will reduce the risk of contracting cellulitis. Avoid trauma, wear long sleeves and pants. Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment.

Cellulitis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective.

2. Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment.

3. Keep skin clean and well moisturised, with nails well tended.

4. Avoid having blood tests taken from the affected limb.

5. Keep swollen limbs elevated during rest periods to aid lymphatic circulation.

6. Oral antibiotics include penicillin or a similar medication such as dicloxacillin.

7. Topical antibiotics including mupirocin may be used for children with cellulitis in the area around the anus.

8. Intravenous antibiotics may include nafcillin, levofloxacin, or cephalosporin.

9. Keeping minor abrasions, cuts and bruises clean and free of continued trauma can lessen the likelihood of cellulitis.