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Recognizing Cellulitis: 7 Key Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Published: Feb 17, 2024
Cellulitis can progress rapidly, making early recognition crucial for effective treatment. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you seek medical attention promptly and prevent potential complications.
Skin Changes: The First Signs
The most noticeable symptoms of cellulitis involve changes to the affected skin. Look for redness (erythema) that may start small but can spread quickly. The area will typically feel warm to the touch and appear swollen or puffy. Unlike a simple bruise, cellulitis often causes the skin to feel tight or stretched.
Pain and Tenderness
Pain is a common symptom of cellulitis. The affected area may be tender to touch, and you might experience a throbbing or burning sensation. Some people describe the pain as feeling similar to a pulled muscle. As the infection progresses, the pain may intensify or spread to a larger area.
Systemic Symptoms
Cellulitis doesn't just affect the skin; it can cause whole-body symptoms too. You might develop a fever, often accompanied by chills or sweating. Fatigue is common, and you may feel generally unwell or run down. In some cases, you might experience nausea or loss of appetite. Swollen lymph nodes near the infected area are another sign your body is fighting the infection.
Red Flags: When to Seek Immediate Care
While all cases of suspected cellulitis warrant medical attention, certain symptoms indicate a potentially severe infection requiring urgent care. These include rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or the development of blisters or black areas on the skin. If you notice red streaks extending from the infected area, this could indicate spreading infection. Dizziness, confusion, or a very high fever (over 102°F or 39°C) are signs of a possible systemic infection requiring emergency treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, bacteria can enter through tiny, invisible skin breaks.
Symptoms can develop within hours of bacterial entry.
Most cases are painful, but severity varies.
Yes, it can be mistaken for conditions like DVT.
Symptoms may be less noticeable due to neuropathy.
When in Doubt, Check it Out
Cellulitis symptoms can vary, but any combination of skin changes, pain, and systemic symptoms warrants medical evaluation.
References
- Raff AB, Kroshinsky D. Cellulitis: A Review. JAMA. 2016;316(3):325-337.
- Stevens DL, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(2):e10-e52.
- Bruun T, et al. Early Response in Cellulitis: A Prospective Study of Dynamics and Predictors. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(8):1034-1041.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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