Can Cellulitis Progress to Sepsis?

Cellulitis is a serious skin infection caused by bacteria that typically affects the arms and legs. It can also develop around the eyes, mouth, anus, or on the abdomen. While cellulitis infection can occur on healthy skin, it usually follows an injury that breaks the skin, such as trauma surgery. When the skin is damaged, bacteria can enter and lead to infection.

What are the common symptoms of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the lower legs, although it can occur in any part of the body. Few common signs can include:

• Blisters
• Swelling
• Redness around the area where the bacteria enters
• Fever
• Dimpling of the skin
• Soreness and tenderness

What are the possible causes of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection.

The bacteria responsible for it usually live harmlessly on the skin but can cause an infection if they enter through a break in the skin, such as:

• A cut or bruise
• Ulcer in legs
• Insect bite
• Cracked or dry skin

Can cellulitis progress to sepsis?

If cellulitis is not treated, it can lead to serious complications like bacteria entering the bloodstream (bacteremia), heart infections (endocarditis), bone infections (osteomyelitis), toxic shock syndrome, or sepsis. In rare cases, the infection can spread to deeper tissue layers, such as the fascial lining, causing a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis. But you can always seek a cure for cellulitis to avoid sepsis.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs when the body’s reaction to an infection leads to widespread inflammation. This can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and, if not treated, can be fatal. It is a medical emergency that can develop quickly and can affect anyone, although it is more common in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Sepsis happens when an infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, spreads throughout the body and causes an overly aggressive immune response. Normally, the body uses inflammation to fight infections, but in sepsis, this response goes overboard, leading to widespread inflammation that affects healthy tissues and organs.

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

Sepsis can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are often similar to other conditions. However, there are a few key signs that might suggest sepsis.

Changes in body temperature:

A body temperature higher than 101 degrees or lower than 96.8 degrees.

Faster heart beat:

An elevated heart rate (above 90 beats per minute).

Faster breathing:

Breathing faster than 20 times per minute or feeling out of breath.

Extreme confusion:

A sudden shift in mental state, such as confusion or trouble thinking clearly.

Extreme weakness:

Feeling unexpectedly weak, dizzy, or lightheaded.

Signs of infection:

Redness, swelling or discharge from a wound, or a recent infection in the lungs, urinary tract, or other areas.

When should you seek medical help for sepsis?

Sepsis is a serious medical emergency. If you or someone else shows signs of sepsis, especially following an infection, it is important to get medical attention right away. Seek help immediately if you notice:

• Severe weakness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Confused state of mind
• Muscle pain
• Uncontrolled shivering

Can sepsis spread from person to person?

Sepsis isn’t contagious, so you can’t pass it on to others. However, the infections that can lead to sepsis can be spread to other people.

What are the treatment options for sepsis?

Sepsis treatment must start right away. The top priority in dealing with sepsis is to quickly diagnose and treat it.

If your healthcare provider determines that you have sepsis, you will likely be admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) for specialized care. You may receive the following treatments for sepsis:

• Antibiotics
• IV fluids
• Supportive care
• Surgery

Seek sepsis treatment in Coimbatore if you are looking to seek expert care for your condition.

What are the tips to prevent cellulitis?

If you’ve had cellulitis before, you’re at a higher risk of getting it again.

While it isn’t always possible to prevent it, the following steps may help lower your risk:

• If your skin is dry or prone to cracking, use a moisturizer.
• If you’re overweight, consider losing weight, as being obese can raise your risk of cellulitis.
• Make sure to manage any conditions that could increase your risk of cellulitis, like eczema, athlete’s foot, leg ulcers, and lymphoedema.
• Keep any cuts, scrapes, or bites clean by washing them with running water and covering them with a bandage or dressing.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially when treating or touching a wound or skin issue.

Your doctor might recommend that you see an infection specialist or a dermatologist if you have severe or frequent cellulitis. They will talk to you about the possibility of taking antibiotics long-term to help prevent further infections.

Important Takeaway:

Sepsis is a serious medical emergency. To prevent sepsis, it’s important to get treatment for any infections as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can turn a simple infection into a life-threatening situation. If you have an infection that isn’t improving or is getting worse, seek medical help immediately. Without treatment, sepsis can lead to serious complications and even fatality. Get in touch with the best general surgeon in Coimbatore if you are noticing signs of cellulitis or sepsis.