The weakened immune systems of some older adults puts them at risk for a skin infection called cellulitis. It can be quite painful and may be recurring. Knowing more about the condition may help you to identify it in your aging relative so they can get the medical care they need.
About Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a kind of bacterial skin infection. It’s fairly common and causes the skin to appear red and swollen. The most common causes of cellulitis are streptococcus bacteria and staphylococcus bacteria. The infection occurs when bacteria enters the skin through a cut or crack, such as a surgical incision, an ulcer, or athlete’s foot. Being bitten by an animal can also lead to cellulitis. It does not usually spread from one person to another. Typically, it strikes the skin in the legs and feet, but it can occur in other areas of the body, including the face and arms.
Cellulitis Symptoms
The symptoms of cellulitis usually only occur on one side of the body. Some signs that your aging relative may have cellulitis are:
There are several things that can make your older family member more likely to develop cellulitis. Doctors call these things risk factors. Some risk factors for cellulitis are:
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152663.php
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN HYDE PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
About Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a kind of bacterial skin infection. It’s fairly common and causes the skin to appear red and swollen. The most common causes of cellulitis are streptococcus bacteria and staphylococcus bacteria. The infection occurs when bacteria enters the skin through a cut or crack, such as a surgical incision, an ulcer, or athlete’s foot. Being bitten by an animal can also lead to cellulitis. It does not usually spread from one person to another. Typically, it strikes the skin in the legs and feet, but it can occur in other areas of the body, including the face and arms.
Cellulitis Symptoms
The symptoms of cellulitis usually only occur on one side of the body. Some signs that your aging relative may have cellulitis are:
- A reddened area of skin that often gets larger.
- Swelling in the affected area.
- A tender or painful feeling.
- The affected area feels warm to the touch.
- Fever.
- Blisters.
- Dimples in the skin.
- Chills.
- High fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- The red area feels hard.
- Pain worsens.
- The area feels numb.
There are several things that can make your older family member more likely to develop cellulitis. Doctors call these things risk factors. Some risk factors for cellulitis are:
- Weakened Immune System: Some medications and medical conditions, like diabetes, can make the immune system less effective than normal. Having a weakened immune system increases the likelihood of getting cellulitis.
- Any Injury: Any kind of injury that causes a break in the skin gives the bacteria an entrance point into the body.
- Skin Conditions: Having skin conditions like eczema, shingles, or athlete’s foot can make the skin crack or break open.
- Lymphedema: Lymphedema is persistent swelling in the limbs that sometimes after a person has surgery.
- History of Cellulitis.
- Obesity.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/152663.php
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/cellulitis#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING SENIOR CARE IN HYDE PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.