Cellulitis is an infection that occurs when harmful bacteria invade your skin. Fifty to 60 percent of cases start with an injury, such as a wound, insect bite or burn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms include painful, swollen and red skin on your legs, scalp, face or arms. Antibiotics can effectively cure cellulitis. If left untreated, however, it can become life-threatening. A healthy diet and doctor-approved vitamin supplements may help manage your symptoms and guard against complications.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a group of fat-soluble nutrients that play an important role in your vision, bone growth and skin. As an "anti-infective vitamin," it may help heal the surface tissues involved with cellulitis, according to Ron Grisanti, a chiropractic orthopedist and nutrition scientist. Most women require 700 micrograms of vitamin A daily. Most men require 900 micrograms per day. Although vitamin A deficiencies are rare in the United States, they can derive from inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic diseases, celiac disease, diarrhea and vegetarian diets devoid of eggs and dairy products. Some doctors also prescribe compounds in vitamin A, known as retinoids, to treat chronic skin conditions.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin known for its potent antioxidant, or disease-fighting, properties. It also supports wound healing and collagen production, which allows for skin smoothness and elasticity. Taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C two to six times per day may strengthen your immune system and your skin's ability to heal from cellulitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Rich food sources of vitamin C include red bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes and strawberries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient that also serves as an antioxidant. Because it is prevalent in healthy fat sources, such as vegetable, oils nuts and seeds, eating a particularly low-fat diet can lead to a deficiency and an increased susceptibility to infections. Foods particularly vitamin E-rich include wheat germ oil, almonds, almond butter, sunflower seeds and safflower oil. For enhanced healing and immune function, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E daily. If you have a deficiency, however, you may require more.
Multivitamin
While a healthy, balanced diet can help ensure that you get proper amounts of nutrients, according to the American Dietetic Association, taking a basic vitamin/mineral supplement may fulfill nutrient gaps. Such gaps are common in diets containing fewer than 1,600 calories per day, strict vegan and vegetarian diets and diets with limitations due to medical conditions. Steer clear of multi-vitamins with questionable ingredients or "mega" doses of particular nutrients to avoid side effects, interactions with medications and toxicity. Dietary fat helps your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins E, D, A and K, so take your multi-vitamin with a healthy fat source, such as nuts, seeds or olive oil, for added benefits.
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