What happens if cellulitis is left untreated

Cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin. But if severe or if left untreated, it can spread into your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Pictured here is mild cellulitis left and severe cellulitis right. Cellulitis sel-u-LIE-tis is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.

Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening. It isn't usually spread from person to person. It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout your body.

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin.

The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA is increasing. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the lower leg. Bacteria are most likely to enter disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis.

Treatment will help reduce symptoms but not fully eliminate them. An abscess is a pocket of pus, or infected fluid, that develops under the skin or between layers of skin. It may develop at or near the injury, cut, or bite. Surgery will be necessary to open the abscess and properly drain it. Gangrene is another name for tissue death.

When blood supply is cut off to tissue, it can die. This is more common on extremities, like the lower legs. If gangrene is not properly treated, it can spread and become a medical emergency. An amputation may be required. It can even be fatal. Also known as a flesh-eating disease, necrotizing fasciitis is an infection in the deepest layer of skin. It can spread to your fascia, or the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and organs, and cause tissue death. This infection can be fatal, and it is an extreme emergency.

Cellulitis is often caused by Staphylococcus , a type of bacteria. A more serious type of staph bacteria, known as MRSA, can also cause cellulitis. MRSA is resistant to many of the antibiotics that can treat normal staph infections. Orbital cellulitis is an infection behind the eyes. It develops in the fat and muscle that surrounds the eye, and it can limit your eye movement. It can also cause pain, bulging, and loss of vision.

This type of cellulitis is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Perianal streptococcal cellulitis is a type of infection that most commonly occurs in children with strep throat or a cold. It shows up as a rash around the anus and rectum.

The standard treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics. Injections, pills, or topical antibiotics may be used to help end the infection and prevent complications. Rest can go a long way to helping promote healing, too. Lying with your affected limb raised above your heart may reduce swelling. This will cut down on irritation, itching, and burning. Most cases of cellulitis will heal in 7 to 10 days with a regular course of antibiotics. Some infections may require longer treatment if the infection is not responding well.

People with severe infections or those with a weakened immune system may also need longer or stronger doses of antibiotics. Signs and symptoms of cellulitis should begin to improve 1 to 3 days after you begin taking antibiotics.

However, it may take more than 2 weeks for them to clear entirely. If you see the red area of infection growing or notice streaks from the inflamed spot after you start antibiotics, this may be a sign the infection is spreading. If severe, or when left untreated, cellulitis can spread to your lymph nodes, bloodstream and deeper tissues, rapidly becoming life-threatening. Cellulitis usually develops in the lower legs, although it can occur in any area with skin.

The surface skin area appears red and swollen, and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Over time, the untreated area of redness expands. If you develop signs or symptoms of cellulitis, see your doctor as soon as possible.

If symptoms are worsening or you also have a fever or chills, seek emergency care, because the infection may be severe or spreading rapidly. To make a diagnosis, your health care provider likely will review your medical history and perform an exam to look for skin features that suggest cellulitis. If signs such as redness and swelling are developing on both legs, the cause is usually something other than cellulitis. Sometimes blood tests or imaging are necessary to rule out other conditions, including a blood clot in a leg vein deep-vein thrombosis , a reaction to a drug or a skin irritant, lymphedema, or an infected joint.

Cellulitis usually improves with antibiotic treatment in combination with local cares elevation and compression that reduce swelling. Decreased swelling improves blood supply and circulation, getting the antibiotic to the infection and making the antibiotic more effective. Also, cool compresses can relieve discomfort.