Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the skin. It often affects the skin on the lower legs, although it can develop anywhere on the body or face. While its effects are often limited to the surface of the skin, it can sometimes spread to deeper tissues and throughout the bloodstream. The effects of cellulitis can become life threatening if left untreated.
Common Effects
Cellulitis can produce a skin sore or rash with sharp borders that comes on suddenly and grows quickly within 24 hours, according to the National Institutes of Health. The affected area of skin (commonly on the leg) often becomes increasingly red and inflamed as the infection worsens. The skin may appear tight, glossy or "stretched," and it may be painful, tender or warm to the touch. Other signs of infection may include fever, chills, shaking, general malaise or ill feeling, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, and sweating. If you have a red, swollen, tender and warm rash that is expanding, a rash accompanied by a fever or a rapidly changing rash, see a doctor before the condition progresses, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Less Common Effects
Less commonly, cellulitis can cause other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting or hair loss at the site of the infection. Swelling of skin tissue over a joint can also lead to joint stiffness. In rare cases, small blisters may form over the top of the sore and burst, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Life-threatening Effects
If the bacteria that causes cellulitis spreads into the layers beneath your skin, it may rapidly enter your lymph nodes and bloodstream where it can cause potentially life-threatening effects. Recurrent cellulitis can lead to chronic swelling of the affected limb by damaging the lymphatic drainage system. Lymphangitis and inflammation of the lymph vessels can also occur, notes the National Institutes of Health. Lymphangitis can cause the lymph nodes to become swollen, red, tender and hard to the touch and can lead to serious complications, including abscess formation on the lymph nodes and sepsis, a dangerous condition in which bacteria overwhelm the bloodstream.
Spreading bacteria may also lead to bone infection, or osteomyelitis. In cases of cellulitis occurring on the face, complications can lead to the development of bacterial meningitis, inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord that can lead to brain damage or death.
The death of superficial tissue can lead to gangrene, and, in rare cases in which the infection spreads to a deep layer of tissue known as the fascial lining, necrotizing fasciitis ("flesh-eating disease") can occur. A medical emergency, necrotizing fasciitis can lead to the rapid, progressive death of skin tissue and spread of bacteria throughout the body, causing sepsis, shock and death.
