K.N.O.W. Home Health

CELLULITIS

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It happens when bacteria (germs) get into the skin through a cut, scratch, or sore. It can make the skin red, swollen, warm, and painful. If not treated, the infection can spread and become serious.

Causes of Cellulitis

Cellulitis is usually caused by bacteria like Strep or Staph. These bacteria can enter the body when the skin is:

Cut, scratched, or scraped
Bitten by an insect or animal
Cracked or dry (especially on the feet)
Affected by a skin condition like eczema or athlete’s foot
Near a surgical wound or IV site

Treatments for Cellulitis

Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
You may take pills or get medicine through a needle (IV), depending on how bad the infection is.
Rest the area and keep it clean and raised if possible.
Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and finish all medicine even if you feel better.

Special Considerations and Precautions

Wash your hands often.
Keep wounds clean and covered.
Don’t scratch or pick at scabs or bug bites.
Watch for signs of infection like redness, heat, swelling, or pain.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control to help prevent infections.
Wear clean socks and shoes, especially if you have poor circulation or foot problems.

Special Diet

No special diet is required just for cellulitis.
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water to help your body heal.
If you have other health issues like diabetes, follow your doctor’s diet plan for that condition.

Risks of Cellulitis

If not treated, cellulitis can lead to:

Abscesses (pockets of pus)
Sepsis (a life-threatening infection in the blood)
Permanent skin damage or scarring
The infection coming back again

People at higher risk include:

Those with diabetes or poor circulation
People with weakened immune systems
Older adults
People with skin injuries or skin diseases

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

New or worsening redness, swelling, or pain
Fever or chills
The area of infection is growing
You notice pus or drainage from the area
You feel tired or weak
The antibiotics are causing side effects (upset stomach, rash, etc.)

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Fever over 101°F with chills
Fast spreading redness or swelling
Severe pain
You feel very dizzy or faint
Trouble breathing
Confusion or fast heartbeat
Red streaks moving away from the infection site

✅ PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria.
True or False: Cellulitis can happen when bacteria get into a cut or scrape.
True or False: Cellulitis always heals on its own without treatment.
True or False: One sign of cellulitis is skin that is red, warm, and swollen.
True or False: Cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics.
True or False: You should stop taking antibiotics once you feel better.
True or False: Keeping the infected area clean and raised can help healing.
True or False: You can get cellulitis from scratching a bug bite.
True or False: Washing your hands helps prevent cellulitis.
True or False: People with diabetes are at higher risk for cellulitis.
True or False: A healthy diet helps your body heal from infection.
True or False: Red streaks moving away from the infected area are normal and not serious.
True or False: You should call your doctor if your infection gets worse or spreads.
True or False: Cellulitis can lead to sepsis if not treated.
True or False: You should keep wounds uncovered so they can breathe.
True or False: Wearing clean socks and shoes helps prevent cellulitis in the feet.
True or False: Cellulitis is not contagious to other people.
True or False: Call 911 if you have trouble breathing or a very high fever.
True or False: You can prevent cellulitis by taking care of your skin.
True or False: Once you get cellulitis, it cannot come back.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed any redness, warmth, swelling, or pain in the affected area, and has it gotten better or worse since it started?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“How has the cellulitis affected your ability to walk, move, or safely do your daily activities without pain or risk of falling?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you able to take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed, and have you had any trouble with side effects or remembering your doses?”

Preventive Measures:
“What steps are you taking to protect your skin and prevent cellulitis from returning, such as keeping wounds clean, moisturizing dry skin, or wearing protective footwear?”