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Cellulitis is inflammation of the skin and related subcutaneous tissue caused by the bacteria called streptococcus and staphylococcus. The bacteria enter the cracked area of the skim resulting in swelling, redness of skin and pain in the area. In severe cases it can spread to other part of the body. Occasionally fungus may be the cause of the infection.  In severe cases cellulitis leads to sepsis in the body. So timely treatment is of utmost importance as it can rapidly spread to other organs of the body.

Cellulitis is caused by injuries of the skin, bone infection under the skin, foreign object in the skin, post-surgical infections, eczema or psoriasis and inflamed wounds and cysts.

Different forms of cellulitis are as follows:

1.Erysipolas: is a type of cellulitis occasioned by red patches on the skin caused by streptococcus bacteria.

2.Necrotizing fasciitis: Is a type of cellulitis when infection is present below the skin and is a severe form of cellulitis. It is also known as ‘flesh eating disease’. It needs immediate medical attention because of its severity.

3.Periorbital cellulitis: It is a type of cellulitis that effects eye sockets when bacteria effect the area around the eyes. It is also known as orbital cellulitis. It causes fever and reduced vision. Immediate treatment is recommended to prevent damage to vision.

Cellulitis symptoms are fever, pain, blisters, red spots, swelling of arms and legs, nausea and numbness of the affected area.

For diagnosis of cellulitis skin condition and medical history of the patient is carefully scrutinised and when necessary blood tests, X-rays and wound culture is also used to get accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of cellulitis involves oral antibiotic course where the medicine is to be taken for five to ten days. Intravenous antibiotics is administered in severe and persisting cases.  Complete rest and elevation of effected area is also recommended to reduce inflammation.  Longer treatment may be required in case of patients with diabetes or cancer where immune system is weak. In such cases hospitalisation is also recommended.