Share your Story. Get Resources. Donate Button — Arrow. Cellulitis Cellulitis is a type of infection that affects the skin and the tissue underneath. Where does cellulitis occur? If you fall into one of the higher risk categories, you should watch any injuries to the skin carefully: Impaired immune system : People who have an impaired immune system are more vulnerable to contracting infections.
Treatment If you suspect you have cellulitis, see your doctor or nurse practitioner. Updated November 1, Stay Informed Join our Newsletter. Careers Newsroom Media kit Contact. All rights reserved. Most cases of cellulitis respond well to treatment, and symptoms start to disappear within a few days of starting an antibiotic. Signs and symptoms of sepsis include extremely low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Treatment involves hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. It is typically confirmed simply by looking at the skin. This might include a blood culture or a complete blood count CBC to check for the presence of bacteria. Or your doctor may perform a bacterial culture to identify the type of bacteria responsible for the infection. A skin biopsy can often confirm or rule out another skin disorder.
Getting a tattoo in a studio with properly sterilized equipment and other hygiene measures in place is normally safe. Bergin — who has seen infected tattoos and piercings — recommends cleaning your skin before getting a tattoo with a skin cleanser like Hibiclens or its generic equivalent, chlorhexidine , available at most drugstores.
She also suggests going a step further and bringing a bottle of rubbing alcohol with you to the tattoo parlor. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: August 24, More serious infections may require hospitalization for administration of antibiotics via IV and close monitoring for complications and improvement. While complications are rare, they can be serious and life-threatening.
Sometimes, severe cellulitis can cause the surrounding tissue to die. Rarely, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, spreading the infection to distant parts of the body.
If you have recurring episodes of cellulitis, your doctor may recommend taking a long-term course of preventive antibiotics to keep the infection at bay. It also may help to visit with a dermatologist or an infectious disease specialist to look for other causes of your symptoms.
By Liza Torborg. Certain factors can put you at greater risk of cellulitis, including: Wounds, cuts or incisions Any opening in the skin — from a small scratch or an insect bite to an ulcer or a recent surgery — can provide an entryway for bacteria. Shingles can cause broken blisters that are vulnerable to infection.
This will ease the pain, help drainage and reduce swelling. Take pain-relieving medication such as paracetamol. Check the label for how much to take and how often.
The pain eases once the infection starts getting better. If you are not admitted to hospital, you will require a follow-up appointment with your doctor within a day or two to make sure the cellulitis is improving. This appointment is important to attend. Reduce the risk of transmission Cellulitis may arise when skin injury or inflammation is not adequately treated.
When dealing with cuts and abrasions: Wash your hands. Clean the wound with an antiseptic. Cover the wound with a gauze dressing or a band aid. Where to get help Your GP doctor Hospital emergency department. Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? Yes No. View all skin. Related information.
0コメント