Cellulitis Disease
The Hindu

Context

Cellulitis disease, which used to affect only a few people during the rainy season, has now become widespread in the erstwhile Karimnagar district.

Cellulitis Disease

About

• Cellulitis is a serious deep infection of the skin caused by bacteria. It most commonly affects the lower part of the body, including the legs, feet, and toes, but can occur in any area of the body.

Occurrence

• The infection occurs when bacteria, primarily Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, enter the body through a crack or break in the skin.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include:
  • Swollen and inflamed skin that feels painful and warm to the touch
  • Blisters, skin dimpling, or spots
  • Fatigue, chills, cold sweats, shivering, fever, and nausea

Transmission

• Cellulitis is not usually contagious; however, individuals with an open wound may contract it through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s open wound.

Treatment

• The primary treatment for cellulitis is antibiotics, which help eliminate the infection.

The rising prevalence of cellulitis in Karimnagar district highlights the importance of public health measures, particularly during the rainy season when conditions may promote bacterial infections.