Cellulitis Infection: Is Cellulitis Contagious

Is cellulitis infection contagious? This is one question, many people are bothered about. Well, here's an article that not only answers this question, but also deals with some other aspects of cellulitis infection. Read on...

At the outset, let us understand what is cellulitis infection? Cellulitis is a type of bacterial skin infection that affects the tissues present deep within the skin. Cellulitis, often goes unnoticed at the initial stage, but the after effects become quite noticeable when the damage to the skin increases. The skin on the face and lower legs are more prone to cellulitis. Bacteria that causes cellulitis infection, enters the body through cuts or burns and then rapidly spreads in the entire area. This infection further results in swollen and reddish appearance of the infected area.

But is cellulitis infection contagious? Yes or no! Here's a response for your query. However, before that let us know about cellulitis infection causes and cellulitis infection symptoms.

Cellulitis Infection Causes

As already discussed, bacteria is the most important cause for a cellulitis skin infection. However, it is not just one particular type of bacteria that causes this infection. The infection can be encountered by either of the following bacterias.

Staphylococcus Aureus

Staphylococcus aureus, which is commonly known as staph, is the most common bacteria that causes this infection. As a matter of fact, this bacteria is not only a common cause for cellulitis infection, but also the most difficult to treat, as it is resistant to most of the antibiotics.

Hemophilus Influenzae

More popularly known as H. flu, this bacteria is the most common reason for cellulitis infections in children below the age of 6 years. Infections due to this bacteria are mostly found on the arms, upper torso and face.

Group A or B Streptococcus

Another leading cause for cellulitis infection is the group A or B Streptococcus. Infections caused by this bacteria are characterized by hot, bright red in color circles on the skin.

Pasteurella Multocida

If cellulitis infection occurs due to a cat or a dog bite, then the bacteria involved in it is Pasteurella multocida. Infection in this case, develops within a very short period of about 4 - 24 hours.

Cellulitis Infection Symptoms

Mostly cellulitis infections occur at a certain area on either of the legs. The most common symptoms seen in a cellulitis infection are tenderness of the affected area, sensation of pain, redness and swelling. Cellulitis being an infection, affects people with a weak immune system and therefore the spread of this infection might result in disorders such as fever, chills, shivering and nausea.

Cellulitis Infection Treatment

Currently, antibiotics are the most widely used form of treatment for cellulitis infection. Antibiotics such as flucloxacillin, erythromycin, penicillin and cefuroxime are found to be effective in treating this infection. However, such an infection can be prevented by personal hygiene, proper skin care and by fully covering your body parts (except your face!), if you happen to visit or work in areas that are home to either of the aforementioned bacteria types.

Is Cellulitis Contagious?

I know, you have been waiting long for this query to be answered! So is cellulitis infection contagious? Well, the answer is NO! This is because, the infection occurs deep within the skin and the top layer skin does not get affected. Therefore there are no chances that if you come in contact with a person suffering from cellulitis, you may get effected by the same.

I hope, I have comprehensively answered your query, is cellulitis infection contagious? But, be careful as this infection can occur anywhere and excessive spread might result in serious illness. So, follow the above said preventive measures and consult a doctor for appropriate treatments. Take Care!