Harvard Health: How Long Does It Take To Heal Cellulitis On Legs?

Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin. It develops when bacteria enter through a cut, bite, or wound, including small tears in dry, cracked skin. Common skin bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus are usually the culprits. Although cellulite can appear anywhere on the body, it is most commonly found on the lower leg.

Arash Matagimi, MD, a dermatologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, discusses new research on how long it takes for full recovery.

The body's natural immune response to this bacterial invasion causes a painful rash that appears red on light skin and dark purple on dark skin. The affected area may also feel swollen and warm.

The usual treatment consists of five to 10 days of antibiotic pills. In more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

How fast can antibiotics get rid of cellulite?

After starting antibiotic treatment, people usually see improvement within a few days. However, the area may remain swollen, warm and painful even after 10 days.

Does this mean the antibiotic treatment was ineffective? Not necessarily, according to a recent study of people with calf cellulitis that described the natural history of healing stages after taking antibiotics.

"The healing process has two stages, so it takes longer than you think to fully heal," says Dr. Matagimi.

First, antibiotics and white blood cells work together to kill bacteria. But it can take some time for your body to shut down its immune response against the bacteria. As a result, he explained, this second phase of the healing process may have some residual symptoms.

The study involved 247 people with mild to moderate cellulitis of the legs and received antibiotics for seven to 10 days. On the 10th day.

• His swelling decreased by 50% and the size of the affected area by approximately 55%.
• A blood marker of inflammation, C-reactive protein, decreased during treatment and returned to normal levels in all participants.
• However, more than half continued to report discomfort in the affected leg, and 14% rated the pain as 5 or more on a scale of 1 to 10.

According to Dr. Matagimi, this type of discomfort is not uncommon, especially with foot infections. When people are recovering from cellulite on their legs, they are often advised to elevate their legs to reduce swelling. (Applying a warm, damp washcloth to the area can also help.)

But when they feel better and start walking more, the fluid returns to the legs. So it wouldn't be surprising for the area to become slightly swollen and uncomfortable after treatment, she says.

Remember, cellulite is usually caused when bacteria found on our skin break through this barrier and enter the body.

Some people who develop cellulitis have no obvious skin lesions or breaks that would explain the infection that can occur in otherwise healthy people. However, people with certain health conditions are more likely to suffer from cellulite. This includes people who are overweight or have diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or chronic edema (swelling of the limbs).

Also, skin conditions like eczema and athlete's foot can cause small cracks in the skin, making it easier for bacteria to penetrate deeper into the skin, says Dr. Matagimi. Another point of entry for bacteria is a scratch from an insect bite that bleeds.

Untreated cellulitis can be very serious. The rash may spread, blister, and become increasingly painful. Nearby lymph nodes may be tender and swollen, followed by fever and chills. If these symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.

"It's important for people with leg cellulitis to know that it takes a little longer for all symptoms to go away after you stop taking antibiotics," says Dr. Matagimi. You will probably feel better in a few days, but always take the prescribed antibiotics. However, having residual symptoms after treatment doesn't mean you need another course of antibiotics or a different antibiotic, she says.

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