subject: How To Prevent An Cellulitis Foot Infection [print this page] Cellulitis is a skin infection that is caused by bacteria. Several types of cellulitis are known and named according to the area the bacteria infected. Different cellulitis infections are facial cellulitis, breast cellulitis, orbital (eye) cellulitis, periorbital (eyelid) cellulitis, hand or arm cellulitis, perianal cellulitis and lower leg or foot cellulitis. Younger patients usually have facial or neck infections however, adults usually get cellulitis in the lower extremities.
Cellulitis foot infections are commonly characterized by redness, swelling, increased temperature and tenderness in the affected area. Red streak may also appear leading to the foot. Sometimes, itchy blisters may appear and the color may turn purplish. The red streaks may spread out as the infection progresses as a sign that the infection is also moving outward and deeper. These symptoms could be accompanied by fever, headache, chills, body or muscle ache, weakness and fatigue. Some types of cellulitis spread rapidly and may also infect the blood stream if not given immediate medical treatment. Cellulitis foot infection generally causes pain for the patient therefore rendering disability and limited movement.
Cellulitis foot infection is mainly and commonly caused by Streptococcus beta-hemolytic bacteria such as S. pyogenes and a Staphylococcus species S. aureus. These gram-positive bacteria are part of the skin's natural flora. They both secrete enzymes that damage the skin cells and avoid localized infection. In some cases, the infection spreads rapidly and turns into a severe cellulitis case in just a few days.
Sometimes, cellulitis foot infections are mistaken for minor skin diseases or infection such as eczema or athlete's foot. These two conditions may lead to foot cellulitis if not treated properly. Opening s and break in any part of the leg or foot area is prone to contamination of the said infectious bacteria. A cellulitis foot is rarely possible without skin breaks or openings.
It is often more practical to prevent an infection than treat it. One of the best ways to avoid getting a cellulitis foot is to maintain proper foot hygiene. Any wound, cut or scratches on the foot should be sanitized immediately. If there are already breaks in the skin of the foot, avoid walking out in the soil or in damp areas without protective footwear that covers the skin breaks. If a wound does not respond to over-the-counter treatments and symptoms such as swelling occurs, check with a physician immediately.
Treatment for cellulitis foot infection is done to stop or eradicate the invasive agents and to avoid recurrence of the infection. Treatment usually starts with oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity. Mild cellulitis cases may be treated at home with prescribed oral antibiotics. Severe cases need intravenous administered antibiotics. The oral antibiotics are usually penicillin and penicillin derivatives.
Since some patients are allergic to penicillin, erythromycin is sometimes prescribed. Penicillin and erythromycin are antibiotics that kill or stops gram-positive bacteria only. Severe cases that need IV antibiotics are given broad spectrum antibiotics that target all types of bacteria present, gram-negative and gram positive bacteria. OTC drugs to alleviate pain and fever are also prescribed. Topical antibiotic ointments are also effective in hastening the recovery of the infected skin area.
