The medical term for inflammation is ‘it is’. Cellulitis is, therefore inflammation of cells. It presents as a red area, usually around or spreading from an injury or lesion. Cellulitis can occur at any age but is commonly found following accidents, allowing bacteria to get underneath the skin and cause infection. The body’s response is to send blood into the area carrying white blood cells and this increase in blood flow causes redness, swelling and pain.

Cellulitis is often associated with ‘tracking’ which is seen as streaks of red travelling away from the area of inflammation though lymphatic ducts towards the nearest group of lymph nodes.

Cellulitis can spread very rapidly, especially if the infection is a virulent staphylococcal bacteria. It is a potentially serious bacterial infection of your skin. 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. 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.

Left untreated, the spreading bacterial infection may rapidly turn into a life-threatening condition. That's why it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of cellulitis and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur.

It is also often associated with conditions that reduce the immune system, such as diabetes, use of steroids, AIDs and nutritional deficiencies, the problem should not be underestimated.

Signs & symptoms of cellulitis

Cellulitis may result in skin that is:

1) Red
2) Swollen
3) Tender
4) Warm

The changes in your skin may be accompanied by a fever. Over time, the area of redness tends to expand. Small red spots may appear on top of the reddened skin, and less commonly, small blisters may form and burst.

Causes of cellulites

Cellulitis occurs when one or more types of bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. The two most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus.

Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the legs, especially near your shins and ankles. Disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis, serve as the most likely areas for bacteria to enter.

Certain types of insect or spider bites also can transmit the bacteria that start the infection. Areas of dry, flaky skin also can be an entry point for bacteria, as can swollen skin.

Risk factors for cellulitis

There are several factors that can place you at greater risk of developing cellulitis:

Age: As you age, your circulatory system becomes less effective at delivering blood — with its infection-fighting white blood cells — to some areas of your body. As a result, skin abrasions may lead to infections such as cellulitis where your circulation is poor.

Weakened immune system: Illnesses that result in a weakening of your immune system leave you more susceptible to infections such as cellulitis. Examples of these illnesses include chronic lymphocytic leukemia and HIV infection. Taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as prednisone or cyclosporine, also can leave you more vulnerable to infections. Immune-suppressing drugs are used to treat a variety of illnesses and to help prevent rejection in people who receive organ transplants.

Diabetes: Having diabetes not only increases your blood sugar level but also impairs your immune system and increases your risk of infection. Your skin is one of the many areas of your body that becomes more susceptible to infection. Diabetes may result in decreased circulation of blood to your lower extremities, potentially leading to chronic ulcers of your feet. These ulcers can serve as portals of entry for bacterial infections.

Chickenpox and shingles: These common viral diseases typically cause broken blisters on the skin that can serve as potential entry points for bacterial invasion and infection.

Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema): Swollen tissue may crack, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection.

Chronic fungal infection of your feet or toes: Recurrent fungal infection of your feet or toes can cause cracks in your skin, increasing your risk of bacterial infection.

When to seek medical advice

If you have a rash that's red, swollen, tender and warm — and it's expanding — try to see your doctor the same day. If a fever or pain accompanies the rash, or the rash is changing rapidly, seek emergency care. It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can cause a serious infection by spreading rapidly throughout your body.

Screening and diagnosis

The appearance of your skin will help your doctor make a diagnosis. Your doctor may also suggest blood tests, a wound culture or other tests to help rule out a blood clot deep in the veins of your legs. Cellulitis in the lower leg is characterized by signs and symptoms that may be similar to those of a clot occurring deep in the veins, such as warmth, pain and swelling.

Complications

This reddened skin or rash may signal a deeper, more serious infection of the inner layers of skin. Once below the skin, the bacteria can spread rapidly, entering the lymph nodes and the bloodstream and spreading throughout your body.

In rare cases, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Flesh-eating strep, also called necrotizing fasciitis, is an example of a deep-layer infection. It represents an extreme emergency.

Treatment

Your Medical Professional may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat cellulitis. You'll likely recheck with your Medical Professional one to two days after starting an antibiotic, which you'll take for about 10 days. In most cases, signs and symptoms of cellulitis disappear after a few days. If they don't clear up, if they're extensive or if you have a high fever, you may need to be hospitalized and receive antibiotics through your veins (intravenously).

Usually, Medical Professionals prescribe a drug that's effective against both streptococci and staphylococci. An example is cephalexin (Keflex). Your Medical Professional will choose an antibiotic based on your circumstances.

Integrated Treatment plan

Because cellulitis can progress rapidly, it is important to start antibiotics as soon as possible. This may prevent complications from the skin and soft tissue infection. Most natural medical therapies have not yet been studied for use in the case of cellulitis specifically. Several therapies, though, may reduce the risk of developing cellulitis or ease some of the symptoms when used in conjunction with conventional care.

Magnet therapy:  has been successfully used by some patients with chronic, recurring cellulitis, although there has been no scientific research to date to adequately test the value of this treatment. There are many theories about how magnet therapy works to reduce pain and inflammation. They include the idea that magnets improve circulation to the area by removing wastes and by delivering nutrients more efficiently. Magnets are also thought to lessen pain by altering the transmission of pain signals; by realigning the molecules in cell membranes, which may improve cell function; and by changing levels of enzymes and other chemicals in the body. Research is needed to explore these theories and the approach of magnet therapy for cellulitis and other conditions more fully.

 
Nutrition: Researchers have not studied the ways specific nutrients may affect cellulitis. However, zinc and vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants and are used to support the immune system, to aid repair of tissue and to prevent infection. Vitamins A and E are also thought to benefit the skin. Flavonoids (compounds in such fruits as citrus, blueberries, grapes; in vegetables, including onions; and in tea and red wine) appear to help reduce lymphedema and to reduce the risk of cellulitis. Bromelain (250 to 500 mg three times a day) may be used to reduce inflammation and edema (swelling from fluid buildup); it works well when used with the flavonoid quercetin.

 
Botanicals: While there are no scientific studies showing that herbs have a direct effect on cellulitis, the following herbs that support the immune system may be helpful:

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) is widely used in clinics to boost the immune system in order to prevent infection. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports the use of Echinacea purpurea externally for treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is approved in Great Britain for skin infections and inflammation; it is applied topically. 

Comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) is an anti-inflammatory. Some clinicians suggest a paste can be made from comfrey root and placed on the affected area twice a day to speed healing, however, it can only be used once the infection has been successfully treated. Goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis), which has both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and slippery elm (Ulmus fulva), an antiseptic, may be added to a comfrey paste to increase its beneficial effects.

Calendula flower (Calendula officinalis) is approved in Germany for topical application to leg ulcers (open wounds of the leg that can readily become infected).

Fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum), which contains flavonoids, is approved in Germany for external use on skin inflammation and infections.

Blood cleansing herbs such as Baptisia (wild indigo), Thuja, Phytolacca (pokeroot), Echinacea, Gallium Aparine (cleavers), Calendula (marigold), Sarsaparilla (wild licorice), Trifolium Pratense (red clover), Sanguinaria (bloodroot) when prescribed under the supervision of your herbalist or naturopath could also be immensely beneficial.

Homeopathy: French and Belgian homeopaths have been treating cellulitis with homeopathic remedies since the 1960s. Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths would recommend the following remedies for the treatment of cellulitis based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Apis Mellifica -- for swelling with a puffy appearance that worsens with heat and pressure, especially in the afternoon and is better with cold applications, open air, movement, and sitting upright.

Cantharis -- for restless and anxious individuals; may be used for children; only available under the direction of a licensed homeopath.

Lachesis -- for symptoms that tend to be worse on the left side of the body and during and immediately after sleep.

Mercurius -- for individuals who are bothered by both heat and cold, and are often trembling and impulsive
Rhus toxicodendron -- for individuals who are restless and anxious with itching that tends to worsen at night but is relieved by warm compresses or pressure

Sulphur -- for hot, burning skin with itching that worsens at night and with washing.

Seek immediate medical attention if fever and swelling do not subside after 24 hours.

 
Acupuncture : Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine practices may help address the underlying cause of cellulitis and may enhance the immune system. However, no scientific studies have investigated their uses specifically for cellulitis.

 
Massage : Massage should not be used if you have an active infection. However, massage that promotes lymph drainage, when used in conjunction with compression and exercise, may help prevent cellulitis.

 
Diet: dietary changes can be implemented that will help eliminate foods that can promote bacterial infections. Avoid processed foods, sugar, wheat, dairy, alcohol.

Prevention

To help prevent cellulitis and other infections, follow these measures any time you have a skin wound:

1) Wash your wound daily with soap and water. Do this gently as part of your normal bathing.

2) Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. Alternatively the botanical herbs Berberis Vulgaris/Hydrastis/Berberis Aquafolium or Coptis all possess a chemical ‘berberine’ which inhibits bacteria from attaching to human cells. These botanicals specifically contain anti-bacterial properties against Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Vibrio bacteria and various kinds of fungi. Simply bathe the affected skin with the herbal extract neat. For most surface wounds, a single- or double-antibiotic ointment and/or the botanicals mentioned above provides adequate protection.

3) Cover your wound with a bandage. This helps keep the wound clean and bacteria out. If you have draining blisters, keep them covered until a scab forms. Change bandages often. Change them at least daily or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.

4) Watch for signs of infection. Redness, pain and drainage all signal possible infection and the need for medical evaluation.

5) People with diabetes and those with poor circulation need to take extra precautions to prevent skin wounds and treat any cuts or cracks in the skin promptly. Good skin-care measures include the following:

6) Moisturize your skin regularly. Lubricating your skin helps prevent cracking and peeling.
Trim your fingernails and toenails carefully. Take care not to injure the surrounding skin.
Protect your hands and feet. Wear appropriate footwear and gloves.

7) Promptly treat any superficial skin infections, such as athlete's foot. Often athletes foot can be a sign of system fungal infections. You may visit your naturopath who will help you implement the correct dietary changes together with the necessary nutritional and botanical support required to address treatment of systemic candidiasis. Infections on the surface of the skin (superficial) can easily spread from person to person.

Don't wait to start treatment !