Cellulitis

Any area of the skin that is  red, warm, swollen and painful may be cellulitis.  

Cellulitis often begins as a small area of tenderness, which is swollen and red and spreads to adjacent areas.

The involved skin may also feel warm. There may be red lines under the skin before the generalised redness appears.  As this red area begins to enlarge, the affected person may begin to feel unwell developing a fever and nausea as the infection enters the blood stream or the lymphatic system. 

There are other conditions which look similar to cellulitis.  Poor leg circulation can lead to a red scaly skin, but this is not infectious.

The lower leg is the most common site of the infection, particularly over the front and in the foot.

Cellulitis  occurs when bacteria enters the skin through a crack or break. Sometimes the break in the skin is obvious, such as a scratch or an insect bite. Other times it can be due to a tiny crack in the skin caused by a fungal infection such as  athletes foot, or a cracked heel. Eczema or psoriasis  cause skin damage, as does radiation therapy. Any of these may lead to cellulitis. 
People who are living with diabetes or have a weakened immune system, such as those who have had chemotherapy,  are particularly susceptible to developing cellulitis, as are those who have conditions affecting the circulation in the legs. These include pregnancy and surgery.

As cellulitis is an infection of the  deeper layers of the skin, it is not contagious.  The top layer of the skin provides a cover over the infection.

If you suspect cellulitis, you should visit your GP as soon as possible as antibiotics are usually prescribed. This is dependent on many factors  including general health, the condition of any wound, the site of the problem, the bacteria involved and the extent of the inflammation.

If there is an underlying problem, such as athletes foot, ulceration or overall dryness of the skin, these must be treated to reduce the chance of re-infection. A visit to your podiatrist is recommended.

Cellulitis is not always preventable, but sensible precautions are always advised:

* Trim your toenails carefully.
* Moisturize your skin regularly to avoid peeling and cracking.
* Attend to any infections, such as athlete’s foot.
* Check your feet and legs regularly to detect any early signs of infection.