A RAPID INVADER

Cellulitis is a serious infection that spreads under the skin, affecting soft tissues such as the skin itself and the fat underneath it. It is commonly a bacterial infection, but occasionally fungus could be a cause. Cellulits may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot to touch. It is extremely tender and painful in nature. Though it is not contagious, it can affect anyone with broken skin or damaged tissue. Legs, arms or face are common sites of cellulitis, and invariably everyone, adult or child is prone to it. Cellulitis, if left untreated, might spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream, which is life threatening.

Causes
Cellulitis is usually caused by staphylococcus and streptoccus bacteria. These bacteria always inhabit our skin's surface and whenever they get an opening, such as break or tear in the skin, they enter through. Cellulitis causing bacteria can infect burns and bruises as well as cuts and scratches. Any wound or certain skin conditions (eczema) provide them an ample opportunity to spread within our skin. Cellulitis can also occur in people with weakened immune systems.

Signs and Symptoms:
Though symptoms of cellulitis can be noted in any part of the body, it commonly affects the legs. Following symptoms are suggestive of development of cellulitis-
pain and tenderness in the affected area
Tight, glossy appearance of the skin
Redness or inflammation of the skin
Raised temperature of the affected area
Fever

Some common signs of a more serious cellulitis infection are:
Drowsiness
Fatigue or Lethargy
Blistering
shaking or chills

What Needs to be Done
It's better to seek medical attention, as soon you suspect developing cellulitis, as this disease is life-threatening, delay could result in devastating situations.
Doctors will usually prescribe a two-week regimen of oral antibiotics to treat cellulitis. Antibiotics prescribed will depend on the cause and severity of the infection. Symptoms may improve within a few days, but it is a must to take all the medication prescribed, to prevent anti-biotic resistance. In some cases, pain relievers maybe prescribed. Doctors may tell you to restrict movement of the affected area and rest in bed until the infection begins to subside and fever goes down. While you rest, you should raise the affected limb higher than your heat to reduce any swelling.
Some cellulitis could be dangerous, such as necrotizing cellulitis. Here antibiotics alone cannot stop the spreading of cellulitis, hence the infected flesh need to be cut away. Sometimes, amputation could be the only way to prevent the disease from spreading throughout the body.

Prevention
Being a bit more careful and following the below mentioned preventive measures could save you from painful hassles of cellulitis:
Not going outdoors bare footed
Soaps and antibiotic solutions should be used to disinfect cuts
Bandages over cuts should be changed in regular interval or whenever it gets soaked
Avoid swimming in salt or freash water, when you have cuts or injuries
Wear protective gears when playing outdoors
Wear protective clothing's for hiking, or going for any outdoor adventures.
Consult a doctor for large or ugly looking wounds
The major concerning issue about cellulitis is that it spreads very rapidly, hence immediate medical attention should be sought.

The writer is a Project Research Physician, CCAH, ICDDR,B