How do u know if u have cellulitis?

So you’ve come to the realization that your skin may have some signs of cellulitis. Or maybe you’re just bored and want to read about something medical, because who doesn’t love talking about red, swollen skin? Either way, I’m here to give you a breakdown on how to identify if you have this lovely condition.

What is Cellulitis?

Before we dive in any further, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with what cellulitis actually is. Basically, it’s an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Ooh la la! Fancy terminology!

Cellulitis can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly occurs on the legs or face. It’s usually caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin (think cuts, scrapes etc.), so those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.

Symptoms

Now let’s talk symptoms – AKA how do you know for sure that your lumpy bumpy leg isn’t from too much popcorn consumption last night during Netflix bingeing?

Well first off-It’ll be obvious when looking at your infected area: there will be redness accompanied by swelling – like oh look Jess I’ve finally got thos curves I always wanted- warmth around where it seems swollen and sometimes even a bit of slight tenderness.The trademark sign though is that often times there will be spreading areas of streaky red marks-a far cry selfie spot from mall bathroom mirror pics! So dark ( pun intended).

In addition to these noticeable physical markers,you should also sunjectively go over symtoms such as :

1) Fever
2) Feeling like CRAP (which trust me guys rarely means good)
3) Fatigue
4) Chills

Keep in mind folks that while these may not necessarily pinpoint only cellutis specifically, if your body feels like it’s trying to tell you something awry is happening ,it’s worth while seeking medical attention.

Seeking Medical Help

Speaking of going to the doctor, before anybody get so paranoid they run off like a headless chicken and plop on their nearest general practitioner’s doorstep- let’s keep in mind sometimes symptoms don’t necessarily always mean what we think.

Even though those red streaks might look SUPER COOL, it still might just be that unmanagable new lipstick shade you’ve been itching to try at Sephora. Or maybe those subtle sneezles from earlier are indicative of an early onset cold brewing below.I definitely DO NOT recommend asking for medication advice from google or Reddit.ALSO DEFINITELY NOT THERE! This is where priority ranks – if there is any intuitive inkling – go see your friendly family physician right away buddy! You can turn into human Google Scholar after we make sure nothing actually needs treating specifically.

Once you’re assured that something may be wrong intstead of simply needing more sleep/cold meds/hydration etc.-you’ll probably end up being prescribed antibiotics and sent on your way (who wouldaftunk).

So hold onto secure handles people as we diagnose some key things the doc will examine .Here are some points Emphasize under thoughts :

Medical Diagnosis

Ahh finally getting somewhere huh ?As I mentioned earlier this bacterial infection looks different than our regular self doubt and late night ramble marks on our pretty legs.(Oh how could WE EVER forgive ourselves?)Luckily for us(🥳)the experts have specific criteria they follow when determining whether cellulitis is the culprit behind all this skin drama.Here are three mains:painswickedsonmdedptgageofmoretestsintabularform.Let me know YOUR favorite!

Criteria Explanation
Mandatory Signs – Symmetrical inflammation-which is fancy way of saying the swollen area on our leg must be consistent (hey at least something about us makes sense right?)-Tenderness and pain in the infected area- Feeling like your under a microscope with how sensitive your ouches can get! (Sensitive) little squirrels we are.
Major Signs – TOE JAMS EVERYWHERE oops got carried away-touching those toes hurts you-damn dont ever have to touch them again-Fever-Unwell feeling-Somewhat obviously fever indicates when your body temperature is above that handsome 98.6 – this is indicative of some thing mis-firing in the system.-Red flush eyes- it’s so not okay to wake up looking horrifically zombie-ish even during non-Halloween times gurl.So watch for these suckers because they tell more![Pretty sure I’m safe from that already😉]
Minor signs This category includes things such as dizziness or lightheadedness, physical dragging (a.k.a hypersomnia [sleeping all day]), shivers or giant goosebumps which if chronic could mean an underlying cause-so let’s make sure we sort out what else might be happening along side our companion cellulitis.

Differential Diagnosis Vs. Cellulitis

Disclaimer first and foremost: Diagnosing patients myself isnt my forte -so please NEVER diagnose yourself using google or any other undefined source outside real medical help!(That seems pretty simple).

Anyways moving onwards-weirdly enough there are MANY similar conditions out there floating amoungst commonalities with basic symptoms being red bumpies-(red bumpies seem to always be involved) ,some type of warmth-AND OH did i mention swelling before? What differentiates then between each one mostly comes down to HOW The patient presents their specific setoff complications towards compared diagnoses.In naked introvert terms-still better seeing a normal person first than putting yourself on the line AS WebMD.

Here are some conditions that have similar symptoms to cellulitis,just for you to gaggle around over especially when you feel as if nothing about bod is “normal”:

  • Lymphangitis
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Erysipelas

Think of it like a bad breakup – or maybe just another Wednesday– but important being that: While taking note what type of breakouts your skin has experienced can guide physicians towards more accurate diagnosis,it’s pivotal components we need professionals to sort out exam results fit between them scingerhaorntlnmmng.

Treatment Options

Ah! We’ve hit the home stretch- which means the fun practical part – flumoxacinminocyclineamoxyclavjuhdekbjnxcv… WHOOPS let me start THAT sentence over again- those were my anti bacterial commands and ways staying relevant in 2020 grammar. Sorry folks!

Treatments with antibiotics such as penicillin or clindamycin are suggested typically along side pain relief medication (Tylenol & others). Its pretty easy from there since following instructions prescribed after treatment works utmost . But again moving once last precautionary mountain before getting too excited-you should always remember periodically checking up during treatment regimens as well not only does this help improve how medications react within your particular physiology ,but doctors also emphasized yawn lol

Wrapping Up

There you have it guys and girly twirlies: A comprehensive-ish guide on how-to discover THE CELLULITIS WITHIN. Although describing signs may often seem daunting,truth lies lines frequently get blured because they come wit short term attractions.Take care apart from gramming yourself whilst dating new potential partners 😉..ALWAYS use adequate self-defense barriers (oh yeah forgot to mention am I safe?),and most importantly always go towards appropriate experts if red signs of inflammation or any abnormalicity persists.

Happy healing folks!

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