What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection characterized by red and swollen areas on the skin. The condition can spread rapidly to other areas of the body. The most commonly affected areas of the body are the lower legs, although it can also affect other areas of the body. It is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by group A streptococcus and staph aureus. It usually occurs near surgical wounds or cutaneous ulcers or, like erysipelas, can develop in apparently normal skin. Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may be accompanied by local anatomic abnormalities that compromise venous or lymphatic circulation. The boundaries in cellulitis are unclear.
The disease can affect either the outer layer of the skin or the tissue beneath your skin, from where it can spread to your bloodstream and lymph nodes. If the condition is not treated on time, it can become life threatening.
Causes & Symptoms of Cellulitis:
The most common causes of cellulitis are bacterial infections of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
A crack or break in the skin due to recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, ulcers, athlete's foot or dermatitis, allows bacteria to enter the skin.
Bacteria can also enter areas with dry, flaky or inflamed skin.
The lower leg is the most common site for cellulitis.
Some types of insect or spider bites can also transfer bacteria.
You may experience swelling and redness on your skin.
The affected area may be tender and painful.
The area may feel hot.
The appearance of skin rashes around the area.
Pus filled formation on the skin.
The skin may have a tight and swollen appearance.
You may have a fever.
Dizziness and feeling tired if the condition is severe.
Diagnosis of Cellulitis:
Physical examination of the infected area will reveal:
Skin redness, warmth, and swelling.
Possible drainage due to a build-up of pus.
Swollen glands (lymph nodes) near the affected area.
The doctor will check if the redness and swelling spread over the next several days. The doctor may do other tests to detect cellulitis and rule out other conditions:
Blood culture.
Complete Blood Count (CBC).
Culturing of any fluid or material inside the affected area.
A biopsy.
Type of Cellulitis:
Orbital Cellulitis.
Perianal Cellulitis.
Periorbital Cellulitis.
Facial Cellulitis.
Breast Cellulitis.
Precautions in Cellulitis Skin Problem:
There are some preventive measures you can employ to reduce the risk of cellulitis, such as:
If you have a wound or cut on your body, be sure to apply ointments that help kill germs.
Always wash your wounds with warm water and soap.
Bandage the area to prevent exposure to dust and bacteria. Make sure you change the straps regularly.
At any sign of infection such as redness and pus drainage, consult a doctor.
Apply moisturizer to your skin to prevent cracks on the skin.
When cutting your finger and toe nails, be careful not to damage the skin around the nail.
Factors that increase the risk of cellulitis include:
Age: Cellulitis is more likely to occur during or after middle age.
Obesity: Cellulitis is more common in people who are overweight or obese.
Foot problems: Swelling (edema) and ulceration can increase the risk of infection.
Previous cellulitis: Anyone who has had cellulitis before has an 8-20% chance of returning, research indicates, and the infection can recur several times within a year.
Exposure to environmental factors: These include polluted water and some animals, including fish and reptiles.
Other skin problems: Chicken pox, eczema, athlete's foot, boils and other skin conditions can increase the risk of bacteria entering the body.
Lymphedema: This can lead to swelling of the skin, which can crack and allow bacteria to enter.
Other conditions: People with liver or kidney disease have a higher risk of developing cellulitis.
Diabetes: If a person is not able to manage their diabetes effectively, problems with their immune system, circulation, or both can lead to skin ulcers.
Weakened immune system: People can get this if they are older, if they have HIV or AIDS, or if they are undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Circulatory problems: People with poor blood circulation have a higher risk of spreading the infection to the deeper layers of the skin.
Recent surgery or injury: This increases the risk of infection.
Intravenous drug use: Injecting drugs, especially with used needles, can lead to abscesses and infections under the skin, increasing the risk of cellulitis.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Cellulitis:
1. Shaman Chikitsha For Cellulitis: Guluchyadi Kashayam, Panchavalkaladi kashayam wash 3times a day, Thikthakam Kashayam, Manjishtadi Kashayam, Pancha tiktakam Kashayam, Kaisora guggulu, Amrutadi guggulu, Sanjivani Vati, in predominant swelling than Gokshura or Punarnava is may helpful o You can use (Kumari) Aloe Vera gel skin moistened. Dashanga Lepa.
2. Shodhan Chikitsa For Cellulitis:
Vaman with Madan phal
Virechan with Trivrut avaleh
Rakta Mokshan with jalouka (Leech)
Basti – Chandanadi Anuvashan basti
Disclaimer:
All the above are compiled by Mr. Lovekush Singh (Ayurveda Specialist, Clinical Research Scientist, Pharmaceutical Consultant, Lifestyle Advisor, Clinical-SAS Expert, Hospital Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Administration Consultant) on the basis of his study and practical performances. The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. We do not recommend any of the above medicines to directly intake or to do use this information for diagnosis or ayurvedic treatment without consulting the Ayush doctor.
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