What Is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath it, which is caused by bacteria. This infection usually affects the deeper layers of the skin like the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.
What Causes Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is mainly caused by the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria. This infection occurs when these bacteria enter the skin via cuts or cracks. Skin injuries or wounds like cuts, insect bites, and surgical sites are the common sites that may harbor an infection. Some factors can also increase your risk of getting infected. They include:
Weakened immunity Diabetes A family history of cellulitis Skin conditions like eczema and athlete’s foot Diabetes
Now, let’s look at the different symptoms that may result from cellulitis.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cellulitis?
The most common signs and symptoms of cellulitis are:
The affected area becomes tender and painful to touch. Red and inflamed skin. A growing skin sore or rash. The skin looks tight, glossy, and may even be swollen. The affected area feels warm. A pus-filled abscess in the affected area.
A more serious cellulitis infection can cause the following symptoms:
Chills and tremors Fatigue Dizziness Muscle aches Frequent sweating
And if you happen to notice any of the symptoms listed below, you must be careful as these are the signs that your infection is spreading.
Drowsiness and weariness Lethargy Blistering of the skin Red streaks on the skin
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body, and based on the same, it is classified into different types.
What Are The Different Types Of Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is mainly classified into five types:
Orbital Cellulitis: When the infection occurs inside the sockets of the eyes, it is termed as orbital cellulitis. Eye injuries, sinus infections, and infections of the middle ear or teeth increase the risk of orbital cellulitis. Perianal Cellulitis: A cellulitis infection in the anal region is referred to as perianal cellulitis. This infection is quite common in children, and more so in boys than girls. Periorbital Cellulitis: This infection develops around the eyelids and is more common in children. Those suffering from insect bites and eye injuries are more prone to developing this infection. Facial Cellulitis: This is a facial infection that affects people of all ages and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. Breast Cellulitis: Breast cellulitis affects the skin on the breasts. Women with a history of lumpectomy or those who have breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing this infection.
Cellulitis can be quite unpleasant to deal with. To help you get rid of this condition, we have put together some of the best home remedies for cellulitis that can help in speeding up your healing.
Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Cellulitis
How To Treat Cellulitis Naturally
1. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
You must do this twice daily, preferably every morning and evening. Given the wonderful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil, it’s no surprise that it can help in treating cellulitis. This oil is quite effective against a wide range of microbes, and can hence be used to fight the bacterial infection causing cellulitis (1). The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can also help in reducing the swelling and redness in the affected area (2).
b. Oregano Essential Oil
3-4 drops of oregano essential oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
Do this 2 to 3 times every day. Oregano essential oil possesses amazing antibacterial properties that can help in getting rid of the staph bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis (3). Additionally, the wound-healing potential of oregano oil can help reduce the symptoms of cellulitis and accelerate healing (4).
2. Coconut Oil
1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil You must do this twice daily. Coconut oil has excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids (5), (6). It also helps in keeping your skin well moisturized. These properties not only help treat cellulitis but also prevent its recurrence.
3. Hot Or Cold Compress
Hot bottle water or ice pack You must do this 2 to 3 times every day. A hot or cold compress can provide instant relief from the symptoms of cellulitis. While a hot compress can reduce the pain, a cold compress can reduce the pain and inflammation (7), (8).
4. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of honey 2-3 drops of tea tree oil
Do this twice daily for a week. Turmeric possesses amazing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the curcumin present in it (9), (10). The medicinal properties of turmeric, combined with the healing properties of honey, one of the best home remedies for cellulitis.
5. Epsom Salt Bath
1 cup of Epsom salt Bathwater
Add a cup of Epsom salt to your bathwater and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. You must do this every alternate day for effective results. The magnesium in Epsom salt helps reduce the inflammation, swelling, and pain associated with cellulitis (11).
6. Garlic
2-3 cloves of garlic You must do this twice daily. The major constituent of garlic, allicin, is known for its exceptional antimicrobial properties (12). The antimicrobial properties of garlic help prevent further infection, and its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the swelling and pain often associated with cellulitis (13).
7. Fenugreek Seeds
A handful of fenugreek seeds A bowl of water
You must do this 1 to 2 times daily. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of flavonoids that can help reduce the pain and inflammation with their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties (14). The antimicrobial properties of fenugreek can help in destroying the staph bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis (15).
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar Bathwater
You must do this once daily. Apple cider vinegar, with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help combat the inflammation caused due to cellulitis and also ward off the bacterial infection (16), (17).
9. Vitamins
1000 mg Vitamin C 400-899 IU Vitamin E
Consume 1000 mg of vitamin C and 400-899 IU vitamin E daily. You must consume the given dosage of vitamin C twice daily and vitamin E once daily. Supplementation with vitamins C and E is an alternative therapy for cellulitis. The intake of these vitamins promotes healing and improves the condition of your skin. Vitamin C boosts your immunity, while vitamin E promotes your overall health and the healing of your skin (18), (19). It also aids collagen formation and regeneration of new skin cells.
10. Honey
Organic or manuka honey You can do this 2 to 3 times daily. Both manuka honey and organic honey are quite popular for their natural healing and antibacterial properties (20). The application of honey to the affected area will not just speed up healing but also ward off the bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis.
11. Ginkgo Biloba
1-2 teaspoons of ginkgo biloba herb 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
You must consume ginkgo biloba tea thrice daily. Ginkgo biloba is also known as the maidenhair tree. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help combat cellulitis naturally (21), (22). Ginkgo biloba can also stimulate your metabolism and improve your blood circulation, which further accelerates your recovery.
12. Dandelion
2 teaspoons of dandelion herb 1 cup of hot water Honey (optional)
Consume dandelion tea thrice daily. Dandelion is a flowering plant that is widely used for its medicinal benefits. The roots of this plant possess antimicrobial properties, and its other constituents exhibit anti-inflammatory activities (23), (24). Therefore, consumption of dandelion tea is one of the most effective home remedies for cellulitis.
13. Grapefruit Seed Extract
5-10 drops of grapefruit seed extract 5 ounces of water
Do this thrice daily. Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) exhibits antimicrobial activities against a wide range of pathogens (25). They can help in eliminating the staph bacteria responsible for cellulitis. Additionally, grapefruit seed extract is also anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the pain and inflammation (26).
14. Yogurt
1 bowl of plain yogurt Do this once daily. Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, i.e., it helps increase the number of good bacteria in your body to fight cellulitis. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area (27). You can follow any of the above remedies to treat cellulitis. In addition, you can also follow a dietcontaining foods like beans, bell peppers, berries, cashews, citrus fruits, egg whites, green vegetables, tomatoes, red and white meat that have essential amino acids and micronutrients that help in collagen formation. This helps in regeneration of new skin. Listed below are a few tips to prevent contracting the infection and avoid recurrence.
Prevention Tips
If you break your skin, clean the affected area and apply an antibiotic immediately. Cover your wound with a bandage and change it daily. Monitor your wound closely for unusual redness, drainage or pain as these could hint at an underlying infection. Keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from cracking easily. Avail early treatment for infections like athlete’s foot. Wear protective equipment while working or playing.
Despite taking these precautions, if you end up developing this skin condition, make sure that you treat it as early as possible. Otherwise, it can lead to certain complications.
Potential Complications Of Cellulitis
Dr. Anna Chacon, a double board-certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, says, “It might lead to bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, toxic shock syndrome, or sepsis if left untreated.” If left untreated, cellulitis can spread throughout your body and lead to the following complications:
Blood infection Bone infection Inflamed lymph vessels Gangrene
Is baking soda effective for cellulitis? Check out the infographic below to know which natural ingredients can help you to treat cellulitis at home. “It is not effective, as cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin,” says Dr. Vladyslava Doktor. What is the fastest way to get rid of cellulitis? Dr. Doktor advises, “Seek medical help immediately and start on proper treatment, usually antibiotics.” Which areas of the body are mostly affected by cellulitis? Although cellulitis can affect any part of the body, it most commonly occurs in the lower legs and damaged and inflamed areas of the body. How long does it take to cure cellulitis? If you begin your treatment right away, cellulitis may go away in just three days. But if your symptoms begin to worsen, it may take 7-10 days or even longer for you to heal completely. What is the best cream for cellulitis? A good anti-itch or antiseptic cream can help treat cellulitis. However, you must apply the cream gently and remember not to rub it on your skin as it may aggravate the condition. For mild cases of cellulitis, your doctor may prescribe a tetracycline agent like doxycycline. But if you are looking for a natural alternative, you can follow any of the remedies listed in this article. What are the medicines used to treat cellulitis? Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin to recover from cellulitis. Nonetheless, to accelerate your recovery from this infection, you can supplement it with any of the remedies given in this article. Can cellulitis go away naturally? Mild cases of cellulitis may go away naturally without any kind of treatment. However, there is a risk of the infection worsening and getting into the bloodstream, which can prove to be fatal. Does drinking water help cellulitis? Yes, drinking adequate water is necessary to facilitate recovery from cellulitis. It will not only keep the region hydrated but also improve blood circulation to the area so that it heals well. Should you shower with cellulitis? Yes. It is necessary to keep the area clean, so you can use a mild and alcohol-free body wash to gently cleanse the area. Pat it dry once you step out of the shower. Does itching mean cellulitis is healing? In general, yes. As cellulitis heals, the area becomes dry and flaky, which can make it itchy.
