Cellulitis

This image displays redness typical in the early stages of cellulitis.

Cellulitis refers to a deeper infection in the skin that is often very painful and tender to the touch. In more advanced cases, patients will develop a fever and elevated white blood cell count and may need to be hospitalized.

Some staph bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. MRSA is a type of staph that is resistant to antibiotics called beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA.

Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?

Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch.

Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. However, many staph skin infections may be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics.

Can staph and MRSA infections be prevented?

Prevention of infections may be possible in high-risk patients, such as those with eczema, by “decolonizing”, or removing the bacteria before it has a chance to cause an infection. This can be done in a number of ways, but soaking in a dilute bleach bath solution along with using an antibiotic ointment into the nose three times daily for 1 week can be of great help.

Other steps to prevent the spread of bacteria include:

The common features in cellulitis, a skin and soft tissue infection, are redness, warmth, and swelling of the infected skin.

• Keep hands clean by washing and/or using hand sanitizer during the day
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage untl healed
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors as these can carry bacteria

View more cellulitis pictures at skinsight.com.