Cellulitis is a deep type of skin infection that can spread. It typically occurs after a cut or break in the skin, which allows bacteria to get inside. Bug bites and stings are a potential cause.

Any type of cut can potentially lead to cellulitis, and several types of bacteria may cause an infection. Some of the most common are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

People with compromised immune systems, diabetes, and who already have these bacteria on the skin are more likely to develop the infection.

Keep reading for more information about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of cellulitis.

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Any break in the skin can potentially result in cellulitis. A bug bite or sting that penetrates the skin can allow bacteria living on the surface of the skin to get inside and cause an infection.

A bite or sting from any insect could result in cellulitis, including bees, mosquitoes, or ants. The infection may develop due to the bite or sting itself, or afterwards, if a person scratches the area.

Scratching a bite with unwashed fingernails increases the risk of bacteria getting under the skin.

If a person develops cellulitis around a bug bite or sting, they may notice:

  • swollen, inflamed skin around the bite
  • skin tenderness or pain
  • skin that is warm to the touch
  • spots or streaks surrounding the bite
  • skin dimples around the bite

Cellulitis usually does not cause pus to drain from the wound, but in some cases, people also develop boils or abscesses, which can contain pus.

Without treatment, cellulitis can get worse. If this occurs, a person may experience:

  • chills
  • a fever
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • rapid heartbeat
  • delirium, if the infection becomes severe

In many cases, a visual examination of the affected area is enough to diagnose cellulitis. However, a doctor may also want to take a blood sample in more severe cases.

A blood sample can tell the doctor if the infection has entered the bloodstream. If the infection is in the bloodstream, a person may develop sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious, potentially life threatening infectious condition that can be severe enough to harm other parts of the body, including the heart and nervous system.

The treatment for cellulitis usually involves taking antibiotics. The type and severity of the infection will determine how long a person needs to continue taking them.

For example, those with mild infections and no systemic symptoms, such as fever, may only need antibiotics for around 5 days. Most people recover within 7 to 10 days.

A person should take all the antibiotics a doctor prescribes without skipping or stopping the doses early, even if their symptoms improve. This will ensure the infection does not come back.

A person may need more intensive treatment, or a stay in hospital, if:

  • antibiotics do not produce significant improvements within the first 48 hours
  • they have signs of a systemic infection, such as fever or chills
  • their symptoms are progressing or spreading rapidly
  • they have risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
  • they have a compromised immune system

Doctors in the hospital will provide intravenous IV antibiotics and other care.

A person can take several steps to help reduce their risk of developing cellulitis after a bug bite or sting. They include:

  • washing the bug bite promptly
  • using an ointment that helps cover and protect the bite
  • covering the bite with a bandage
  • keeping the wound clean
  • avoiding scratching the bite or sting
  • watching for signs of infection, including swelling and warmth
  • using ice packs to help reduce swelling, itchiness, or pain
  • keeping the bite moisturized to help prevent cracking from dryness
  • trimming and cleaning the fingernails regularly

People can follow the same steps when they have any cut, scrape, or break in the skin that could become infected.

Some steps to take to avoid bug bites include:

  • using bug spray when outside
  • wearing loose fitting clothes that cover the arms and legs
  • using screens around picnic tables and tents to prevent bugs from entering

A person should speak to their doctor as soon as they can if they suspect that they have cellulitis. This is especially important for people with compromised immune systems. Early treatment can help prevent complications.

People should also seek medical advice quickly if they live in an area where bug bites or stings could be poisonous or cause other health problems. For example, tick bites can potentially transmit other infectious illnesses.

Seek emergency treatment if a person has:

  • swelling on the face or near the eyes
  • symptoms that are spreading rapidly
  • a fever
  • chills
  • swollen glands
  • severe pain

If the condition worsens, a person may need to take stronger antibiotics or stay in the hospital so that healthcare professionals can monitor their treatment.

A person can develop cellulitis from a bug bite or sting. Any cut, scrape, or abrasion on the skin can potentially allow bacteria to get inside, resulting in an infection.

Early treatment for cellulitis can help prevent complications. Treatment usually involves taking oral antibiotics, and most people will recover within 7 to 10 days.

However, if cellulitis spreads or gets worse, a person may need IV antibiotics or other treatments. Without treatment, cellulitis could cause sepsis, which is a life threatening infection.