Cellulitis is a common and sometimes painful bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.

RISK FACTORS

  • Trauma to the skin
  • Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing cellulitis.
  • Diabetes and liver disease such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
  • Circular problems, such as not proper blood flow to arms and legs, poor drainage of veins or lymphatic system.
  • Swelling in the legs or arm from varicose veins or after surgery on the veins or lymph nodes.

COMPLICATIONS

  • Cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb.
  • The infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining.

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness in the affected area
  • Redness or inflammation of your skin
  • Fever and dizziness
  • Blister and skin dimpling
  • Drowsiness and muscle ache
  • Tight, glossy, swollen skin
  • Leaking of yellow, clear fluid or pus
  • Abscess with pus
  • A skin sore or rash that grows quickly
  • A feeling of warmth in the affected area

Swelling and red streaking

Causes

  • Infection after surgical wound
  • Bone infection underneath the skin
  • Foreign objects in the skin
  • Any breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to invade the skin
  • Eczema or psoriasis long term skin conditions
  • Puncture wound and injuries that tear the skin

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Diagnosis

Cellulitis diagnosed by physical examination and depending on the severity of your symptoms, your may take blood or a sample of the wound to test for bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment for cellulitis is oral antibiotics but these treatments are not permanent and safe. Thus homeopathic treatment is the best treatment for cellulitis.

MANAGEMENT

  • Wash your wound daily with soap and water
  • Apply a protective cream or ointment
  • Cover your wound with a bandage
  • Moisturize your skin regularly
  • Trim your fingernails and toenails carefully
  • Protect your hands and feet

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

There are medicines like belladonna, apis, ledum pal, silicea, calendula, etc. But medicine depends on the presentation of the case and should never be taken without consulting a registered homeopath. Homeopathy has permanent cure for cellulitis without using antibiotics.

DO’s AND DON’Ts

Do’s

  • Wash your wound daily with soap and water
  • Apply a protective cream or ointment
  • Cover your wound with a bandage while going out
  • Moisturize your skin regularly

Don’ts

  • Don’t puncture the boils
  • Don’t rub or scratch the area
  • Don’t wear synthetic clothes