Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
This infection of the skin happens when bacteria break through the skin’s protective outer layer. Once beneath the skin surface, bacteria multiply and make chemicals that cause inflammation in the skin. In most cases, it is not dangerous and symptoms of cellulitis begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment with appropriate antibiotics. However, symptoms can be more severe in people with poor circulation, diabetes, chronic (long-term) swelling in the legs or skin that is in poor condition.
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Answered by Dr. Alex T. Thomas
MD · 40 years of experience · USA
Cellulitis could lead to severe tissue damage and death of tissue (gangrene). The infection may also be transmitted into the blood, bones, lymph, heart, and neurological system. These infections may cause amputation, shock, or even mortality. It can also evolve around the eyes, mouth, anus, or bellies. Cellulitis can affect normal skin but generally occurs after some damage, such as trauma or operation. Bacteria can enter and cause sickness if the skin cracks.
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Answered by Dr. Ramamurthy Bangalore
M.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.C.P., F.A.A.S.M. (Pulmonologist) · 30 years of experience · USA
Cellulitis may be very severe. This includes severe harm to tissue and death to tissue (gangrene). The infection can spread to the heart and nervous system, blood, bones, lymph. This can cause amputation, shock, or even death.
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Answered by Dr. Kanne Karthik
MBBS · 3 years of experience · India
Cellulitis if left untreated, patient may go into severe sepsis, which in turn leads to septic shock and MODS. If proper debridement and proper antibiotics not used, patient may land up with amputation of the involved limb. Patient may die with MODS.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
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