Cellulitis is a common, bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.

Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter.

SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITIS

 signs and symptoms of cellulitis usually occur on one side of the body:

• Red area of skin that tends to expand
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Warmth
• Fever
• Red spots
• Blisters
• Skin dimpling

CAUSES OF CELLULITIS

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in our skin. 

Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where the surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis.

Animal bites can cause cellulitis. Bacteria can also enter through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.

RISK FACTORS OF CELLULITIS

Several factors put you at increased risk of cellulitis:

• Injury. Any cut, fracture, burn or scrape gives bacteria an entry point.
• Weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken your immune system — such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS — leave you more susceptible to infections. Certain medications also can weaken your immune system.
• Skin conditions. Conditions such as eczema, athlete's foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin, which give bacteria an entry point.
• Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema). This condition sometimes follows surgery..
• Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing cellulitis.

COMPLICATION OF CELLULITIS

Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb.

Rarely, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining.

PREVENTION OF CELLULITIS

If cellulitis recurs:

• Wash your wound daily with soap and water. Do this gently as part of  normal bathing.
• Apply a protective cream or ointment. 
• Cover your wound with a bandage. Change bandages at least daily.
• Inspect your feet daily. Regularly check your feet for signs of injury so you can catch infections early.
• Moisturize skin regularly. Lubricating of skin helps prevent cracking and peeling. Do not apply moisturizer to open sores.
• Trim your fingernails and toenails carefully. Take care not to injure the surrounding skin.
• Protect hands and feet. Wear appropriate footwear and gloves.

Promptly treat infections on the skin's surface (superficial), such as athlete's foot. Superficial skin infections can easily spread from person to person.                 

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR CELLULITIS

• RHUS TOXICODENDRON : Excellent remedy for Cellulitis and, where skin is intensely red and swollen. Condition aggravates in cold, wet, rainy weather and gets better by warm application.
• APIS MELLIFICA : Great remedy for Cellulitis after insect bite. For skin which is sore, sensitive and stinging with rosy hue. Excellent for sudden puffing of whole body.
• LACHESIS : Great remedy for blue black swellings in severe cases of Cellulitis. For pus filled dissecting wounds. Effective for Cellulitis in old age. Condition better by appearance of discharge and warm applications.
• SILICEA : Marked remedy for skin where every little injury suppurates, with offensive pus in it. For fever in Cellulitis with creepy shivering over whole body.