
Originally Posted by
MuscleInk
Cellulitis can begin as warmth on the skin. As it progresses, the skin may become pallor or actually cool to touch depending on how much circulation in the area is impacted by the swelling and tightness. Early symptoms are warm, slightly raised, and redness on the surface. As the infection spreads, the redness may disappear but the affected region will become gradually more stiff and your range of motion in the area will be affected. I've treated a range of cellulitis infections, some more serious than others and some requiring aggressive treatment (i.v. antibiotics such as invanz). Depending on how severe you feel it is, you may wait it out and see, but in my experience, as the muscle tightens and the area becomes more painful, antibiotics are the necessary clinical management. I don't prescribe antibiotics readily - I'm one of the few MDs that think they are overused and misused. Heating the area and a light massage may provide relief, but if the symptoms persist for 5 days or increase in severity, seek medical intervention. Cellulitis infections are easily treated provided they do not progress too far or track to non infected areas. Necrotizing fasciitis is a form of deep penetrating cellulitis caused by the same strain of bacteria, but that is the worst case scenario and fortunately a very rare syndrome.