Cellulitisis a bacterial infection of the skin that can develop from a mosquito or other bug bite.
Signs of cellulitis include swelling and flu-like symptoms.
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What Is Cellulitis?
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Cellulitis is a very common bacterial infection affecting more than 14 million Americans each year.
Once in the dermis, it can cause inflammation and an infection.
Instead, the infection is a result of trying to ease the discomfort sparked by the bug bite.
In the beginning, cellulitis may look unremarkable.
The infection often starts with slight discoloration of the skin, which darkens as the infection progresses.
Additional symptoms of cellulitis will eventually develop.
These include:
Complications
Cellulitis can worsen quickly over a short period of time.
The affected skin area may grow larger within several hours or days.
Left untreated, you’ve got the option to develop serious complications.
This “flesh-eating” infection can be fatal if its not treated quickly.
Although the complications of cellulitis are rare, they can be very serious.
Its best not to delay care.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect cellulitis from a bug bite.
This may help them diagnose you and rule out otherbacterial skin infections.
How to Treat Cellulitis From a Bug Bite
Cellulitis will not go away on its own.
It must be treated withantibiotics.
These are medicines that kill bacteria, including those that cause cellulitis.
As your infection clears up, youll notice that the area becomes less swollen, sensitive, and red.
Still, its important to finish your entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if the infection disappears entirely.
These are given via an IV right into your vein, and start fighting the infection sooner.
Is Cellulitis Contagious?
Prevention
Cellulitis is common and theres no way to prevent it entirely.
Instead, find otherways to stop itching, like using a cold compress.
It happens when a cut or other opening in the skin allows bacteria to reach the dermis.
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Published 2022 Jun 1. doi:10.53854/liim-3002-15
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