Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, and a feeling of heat or tenderness around the affected area. It is a condition that needs prompt medical attention. Failure to treat cellulitis can result in more serious and sometimes life-threatening infections of the blood, lymph nodes, heart and skin cells.

Cellulitis most commonly occurs when a cut in the skin is not cleaned properly. The cut can be minor, such as a scrape, or major, like a surgical incision. Bacteria, often found on normal skin cells, can then invade the lower layers of the skin and infect the subcutaneous (lowest) layer of the skin. Common bacteria that cause disease are streptococcus (strep) and staphylococcus (staph).

While cuts and punctures of the skin are the most frequent means of contracting cellulitis, other conditions may also cause this infection. People who have athlete's foot, leading to dry cracked skin, are at risk. Children and adults with chicken pox can also be vulnerable, if the pocks are scratched. Second and third degree burns, in which the skin blisters and opens, can become infected. Additionally, some spiders, like the Brown Recluse, cause immediate cellulitis when they bite.

Since cellulitis spreads quickly and can lead to more serious infections, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted it. Along with the symptoms listed above, cellulitis may also cause fever, chills and swollen glands. One may also observe red streaks around the affected area. A doctor can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe oral antibiotics like Keflex (cephalexin), usually taken for 10-14 days. The doctor will most likely want to recheck the area to be sure the symptoms are resolving.

Untreated, cellulitis can cause multiple and very serious complications. Strep cells released into the bloodstream can result in cardiac impairment, as they grow tissue in the heart muscle, a condition known as bacterial endocarditis. Infections of the lymph nodes may need to be drained. Most seriously, gangrene and flesh-eating bacteria can develop, necessitating amputation and sometimes leading to death. At the very least, untreated cellulitis will probably result in a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotics to waylay more serious infections.

Prevention of cellulitis is fairly straightforward. For those who have noticeable cuts, wound care is essential. Recommendations include washing new cuts immediately, applying a topical antibiotic ointment, and using bandages until wounds have scabbed over. In addition, one should rewash the cut daily, unless otherwise advised by a doctor, and reapply antibiotic ointment. Children should refrain from picking at old scabs and especially pocks from chicken pox. Lastly, if you suspect you have been bitten by a poisonous spider, get medical attention immediately, as skin infection is just one of the many possible dangers from such a bite.

People with diabetes have increased risk of infections in the feet. Feet should be checked for athlete's foot regularly, and care should be taken when cutting toenails, as small cuts in the feet can be vulnerable to bacteria. Those with suppressed immune systems, either from chemotherapy or from diseases like HIV and lupus, should be especially attentive to wound care.

Through vigilance and good sense in wound care, most cases of cellulitis are preventable. However, if one suspects that despite these precautions, he or she has developed an infection, the most important thing to do is to get medical help quickly, so the effects of cellulitis can be treated before complications develop.