About Cellulitis
Medical Condition

Cellulitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It can occur virtually anywhere on the body, but it commonly affects the face and extremities. Cellulitis can affect men, women and children of all ages. Individuals with weakened immune systems may be at a higher risk for a cellulitis infection. There are five common forms of cellulitis, and each type has different symptoms.

Arm Cellulitis

Arm cellulitis is caused by bacteria entering a break on the surface of the skin. The bacteria can grow underneath the skin and spread to deeper tissues, lymph nodes or the blood stream. A physician tests for arm cellulitis by taking a blood culture and performing a complete blood count. If there is fluid near the affected area, a culture may be taken from that as well.

Symptoms of arm cellulitis include arm tenderness, pain, swelling or redness. The skin may feel warm, and a rash may develop. Severe symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, headache and swollen lymph glands. Treatments vary according to the severity of the infection, however, most physicians prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. Elevating the affected area and using warm compresses can provide relief as well.

Leg Cellulitis

Similar to arm cellulitis, an infection of the legs occurs from bacteria permeating the skin surface. Leg cellulitis symptoms include pain, tenderness, inflammation or excessive warmth at the affected area. Severe symptoms are similar to those resulting from arm cellulitis. Some people also experience rapid heart rate, stiff joints or muscle aches. Lymph glands in the groin may be swollen as well. Treatment includes antibiotics, pain relievers, warm compresses and leg elevation.

Facial Cellulitis

People with compromised lymphatic systems, upper respiratory infections or tooth infections are at risk for facial cellulitis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness and tenderness of the face, lips or tongue. The affected person may experience body aches, chills, vomiting or fever as well. The facial skin may also be tight and feel warm to the touch.

Facial infections may be treated with oral antibiotics, but more severe cases may require intravenous methods. A physician may also assess the cause of the facial cellulitis in order to prevent reoccurrence. Facial cellulitis typically diminishes one week after the onset of treatment, however, more serious forms may last longer.

Periorbital Cellulitis

Periorbital cellulitis affects the tissues around the eye and is most common in children. This version of cellulitis is often caused by trauma or damage to the eye, but it can be a byproduct of certain infections like sinusitis as well. Symptoms include redness, tenderness and swelling on and around the eyelid. Movement of the eye is not affected, and periorbital cellulitis generally is not serious. Treatment typically involves the use of oral antibiotics.

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is less common than the periorbital infection, and there is more danger of it spreading to the brain. It affects the tissues on and near the eye and can be caused by injury to the eye. Symptoms include pain, discomfort or inflammation of the eyelid and surrounding area. The eye may bulge or have limited movement. Vision may decrease, and a fever may be present. Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics, and surgery may be required to drain the affected area.

Cellulitis is typically caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. While cellulitis is not contagious, the bacteria that causes the infection can be passed from person to person. Cellulitis can worsen rapidly, but it is a treatable condition. If it is left untreated, the spreading bacterial infection can create a life-threatening situation. It is important to contact a health care professional if cellulitis signs appear.

Most Common Cellulitis Types