Cellulitis — causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection, often manifests “as a red, swollen area” which feels “hot and tender” to the touch. A painful infection, symptoms of cellulitis includes redness and swelling that spreads rapidly.

Individuals with cellulitis often experience the redness and swelling of the skin on their lower legs. However, the infection can still occur anywhere on the body or face.

The infection usually affects the surface of the skin, but it can also affect the underlying tissues. Cellulitis can also spread to the lymph nodes and the bloodstream. If cellulitis is left untreated, the infection could spread and become life-threatening.

Known side effects of cellulitis

Risk factors for cellulitis may include:

1. Cuts, scratches, or bug bites
2. Fungal or viral skin infections (like athlete’s foot or chickenpox)
3. Chronic skin conditions (like eczema)
4. Use of medications that suppress the immune system (like corticosteroids, chemotherapy)
5. Being obese or overweight
6. A weakened immune system due to diabetes, kidney or liver disease, leukemia, radiation therapy, or HIV/AIDS
7. Edema, liver, or heart disease, or past surgery to remove lymph nodes
8. Being previously infected with cellulitis

The side effects of cellulitis may include:

• The presence of a central area in the skin that has an abscess with pus formation
• A feeling of warmth in the affected area
• A fever
• Pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Redness or inflammation of the skin
• A skin sore or rash that appears and spreads quickly
• Skin that is tight, glossy, and has a swollen appearance

The common symptoms of a more serious cellulitis infection may include:

• Chills
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Feeling ill
• Lightheadedness
• Muscle aches
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Warm skin

The following are signs that cellulitis is spreading:

• Blistering
• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Red streaks

Body systems harmed by cellulitis

Complications of cellulitis infections can be very serious, and these can include extensive tissue damage and tissue death or gangrene.

The infection can also spread to “the blood, bones, lymph system, heart, or nervous system.” These cellulitis infections can cause amputation, shock, or even death.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent cellulitis

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent cellulitis:

• Flavonoids — Flavonoids can boost immunity. Foods rich in flavonoids include tea leaves, blueberries, grapes, vegetables, and citrus fruits.
• Vitamin A, C, and E — These vitamins can help fight infections and prevent cellulitis. Eat the following foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E: sunflower seeds and oil, pistachio, meat, fish, chicken, banana, avocados, spinach, asparagus, tomatoes, broccoli, watermelon, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, and nuts.
• Zinc — Zinc can also boost immunity and it is found in beans, seafood, and chicken.
• Other immunity boosters — Includes turmeric, garlic, onions, basil, thyme, oregano, and fenugreek.
• Vegetables and fruits
• Hydrate by drinking adequate amounts of water.

Treatments, management plans for cellulitis

Treatments and management plans for cellulitis may include:

• Oral antibiotics — May be prescribed for at least 10 to 21 days. The length of treatment often depends on the severity of the infection. For most cases, symptoms will improve or disappear after a few days.
• Pain relievers — Prescribed to help patients deal with the pain and swelling caused by the symptoms of cellulitis.
• Hospitalization – Patients with severe cellulitis may require hospitalization, especially if they:
  • have a high temperature,
  • have high blood pressure,
  • have an infection that doesn’t improve with antibiotics,
  • have a compromised immune system due to other diseases, or
  • require IV antibiotics when oral antibiotics don’t work.

Where to learn more

• Antibiotics in the wild: Usnea, a lichen that grows all around the globe, has been used as effective natural medicine for centuries
• FDA document admits vaccines are linked to autism
• Nine Everyday Uses For Plain Old White Vinegar
• Top 10 Home Remedies for Staph Infection
• Top 7 Strong Home Remedies For Staph Infection

Summary

Cellulitis, a common bacterial skin infection, often manifests “as a red, swollen area” which feels “hot and tender” to the touch. A painful infection, symptoms of cellulitis includes redness and swelling that spreads rapidly.

Complications of cellulitis infections may be very serious. These can include extensive tissue damage and tissue death or gangrene.

The following foods or nutrients can help prevent cellulitis: flavonoids; vitamin A, C, and E; and zinc.

Treatments and management plans for cellulitis may include oral antibiotics, pain relievers, and hospitalization.

Sources include

HealthLine.com

HopkinsMedicine.org

WelcomeCure.com