Cellulitis is a skin infection. Typically, it occurs in areas of the body that have impaired access to the immune system, such as regions that have been irradiated or areas of swelling. Cellulitis can be triggered by a small infection that quickly spreads, often manifesting itself as a red streak running up the arm or on the breast. Often the infection is accompanied by a fever.
Although oral antibiotics are sometimes effective in treating cellulitis, most patients require hospitalization so they can receive intravenous antibiotics. Women who are prone to recurrent cellulitis may benefit profit from carrying a supply of oral antibiotics with them, so they can begin taking the antibiotics at the first sign of infection.
|
