Cellulitis is a common,
potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis appears as a swollen,
red area of skin that feels hot and tender. It can spread rapidly to other
parts of the body. Cellulitis isn't usually spread from person to person.
Skin on lower legs is most commonly affected,
though cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body or face. Cellulitis might
affect only your skin's surface. Or it might also affect tissues underlying
your skin and can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream.
Left untreated, the spreading infection can
rapidly turn life-threatening. It's important to seek immediate medical
attention if cellulitis symptoms occur.
Symptoms
Possible signs and symptoms of cellulitis,
which usually occur on one side of the body, include:
- Red area of skin that tends to expand
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Fever
- Red spots
- Blisters
- Skin dimpling
Causes
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 is 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.
Certain types of insect or spider bites also
can transmit the bacteria that start the infection. Bacteria can also enter
through areas of dry, flaky skin or swollen skin.
Remedies
for Cellulitis
1. Tea
Tree Oil
Due to its
strong antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil
is highly beneficial for treating cellulitis.
- Moisten a cotton swab with water and
put one or two drops of tea tree essential oil on it. Dab it on the site
of the infection. Leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
- Alternatively, you can mix a couple of
drops of tea tree oil in one teaspoon of aloe vera gel or raw honey. Apply
it on your skin and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off.
Use either
of these remedies once or twice daily until you are satisfied with the results.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
contains medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid which helps fight
bacteria. Coconut oil is also soothing for the skin and has healing
properties.
- Apply coconut oil on the affected
area.
- Leave it on for a few hours and then
wash it off.
- Reapply several times a day until the
problem is cured.
3.
Turmeric
Turmeric is
a powerful natural antibiotic and antiseptic to prevent and treat cellulitis.
Its active ingredient curcumin also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in
a glass of milk and boil it. You can also add a little honey. Drink this
turmeric milk once or twice daily until the infection clears.
- Alternatively, you can take 400 to 600
mg of standardized curcumin powder, three times daily for several weeks to
a couple of months.
- You can also make a turmeric poultice
by mixing one tablespoon of raw honey, one teaspoon of turmeric powder and
three drops of tea tree oil in one or two teaspoons of bentonite clay,
enough to make a paste. Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for
15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Use it daily for a few days.
4.
Calendula
Calendula is
soothing for tender and inflamed skin, and fights infection. Plus, it increases
blood flow to the affected area and also stimulates the production of collagen,
thereby promoting wound healing.
- Steep two teaspoons of calendula
flowers in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Dip a clean piece of
cloth in this infusion and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for
15 to 20 minutes. Repeat three or four times daily for a few weeks.
- You can also apply calendula cream a
few times a day until you see improvement.
5. Oil of
Oregano
Being
nature’s antibiotic, oil of oregano is another effective home remedy for
cellulitis. It contains phenolic compounds like carvacrol and thymol with
antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
A study
published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that the application of
a 3 percent oregano extract ointment reduced bacterial contamination and
subsequent infection in patients with post-surgical wounds.
- Dilute 10 to 12 drops of oil of
oregano in two tablespoons of olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil or any
other carrier oil. Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for a few
hours. Wash it off and reapply several times a day.
- You can also take this oil internally.
Mix three drops of oil of oregano in one tablespoon of coconut oil. You
can also add one teaspoon of honey. Consume this mixture five times daily
for three or four days. Then, take it three times daily for seven to 10
days.
- Another option is to mix five drops of
oil of oregano in a glass of water or fruit juice. Drink it three to five
times daily for a few days and then reduce the dosage to three drops as a
maintenance dose for about 10 days.
Note: Do
not use full-strength oil of oregano on broken skin. Pregnant women should
avoid taking oil of oregano because it can stimulate the uterus and induce menstruation.
6. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey
is native to New Zealand. It is rich in phytochemicals that are effective in
controlling staph infections. The active compounds in this honey have also been
found to inhibit antibiotic-resistant MRSA (Methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus). Manuka honey will also help speed up wound healing.
- Spread manuka honey on the affected
area.
- Leave it on for a few hours before
washing it off.
- Do this a few times a day until you
are satisfied with the results.
7.
Fenugreek
Being packed
with flavonoids, fenugreek seeds can be used externally on skin to reduce skin
inflammation and infections.
- Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek
seeds in warm water for a few hours.
- Grind them along with a little water
to make a paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected area.
- Leave it on for a few hours before
washing it off.
- Repeat daily until you get rid of
cellulitis.
8. Garlic
Garlic is
another natural antibiotic for fighting infections, thanks to its
active compound allicin that has strong antimicrobial properties. Plus, it
helps reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory activity
- Eat three or four crushed raw garlic
cloves daily for several weeks. If you are bothered by its strong taste
and smell, then drink a glass of milk afterward.
- You can also fry two crushed garlic
cloves in coconut oil, cool and strain the oil, and apply it on the
affected area. Leave it on for several hours before washing it off. Use it
once or twice daily.
- Simply applying crushed garlic cloves
on the infected site for a few minutes may also help, but it is not
suitable for those with sensitive skin.
REMEMBER
Several
factors can place you at greater risk of developing cellulitis:
- Injury. Any cut, fracture, burn or scrape gives bacteria
an entry point.
- Weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken your
immune system — such as diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS — leave you more
susceptible to infections. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids,
also can weaken your immune system.
- Skin conditions. Skin disorders — such as eczema,
athlete's foot, chickenpox and shingles — can cause breaks in the skin and
give bacteria an entry point.
- Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema).Swollen
tissue may crack, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection.
- History of cellulitis. People who previously had
cellulitis, especially of the lower leg, may be more prone to develop it
again.
- Intravenous drug use. People who inject illegal drugs
have a higher risk of developing cellulitis.
- Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing cellulitis and having recurring episodes.