Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection that affects the skin and tissues below it. It's usually found on the legs, feet or any other lower body parts but may happen anywhere including the face, hands and arms. It starts when bacteria, usually from the Streptococcus or Staphylococcus group, get into the skin by way of a tiny break, like a cut or scratch.
Weakened immune systems or certain skin conditions such as eczema or athlete's foot increase the risk of Cellulitis. The symptoms of this condition include pain, redness, warmth and swelling, and in serious cases might cause fever, fatigue or chills. The skin may appear discoloured and develop fluid-filled blisters.
Cellulitis makes walking or using your hands painful. If left untreated, it may spread and even develop into a serious condition. Good hygiene, regular wound care and maintaining healthy skin are important steps to prevent this disease. For natural treatment options, Ayurvedic medicines provide supportive care with natural herbs to fight the bacteria and reduce inflammation.
In Cellulitis, certain bacteria enter the skin and infect deeper layers and tissues. This infection can happen anywhere but is more common in individuals with specific health problems or skin injuries. Knowing the common causes of Cellulitis may help prevent the spread of the disease.
The main causes of Cellulitis are given below:
Skin injuries: Cuts, scrapes or surgical wounds create an entry point for bacteria and increase the risk of Cellulitis.
Insect or animal bites: Bites from bugs or animals can penetrate the skin and spread bacteria if the wound isn't cleaned properly.
Chronic skin conditions: Conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, or Athlete's foot might produce cracks in the skin where bacterias may get in and cause illness.
Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems (from health conditions or some medications) have a harder time preventing infections such as Cellulitis.
Bad hygiene: Sometimes, Cellulitis occurs in unclean areas of skin where bacteria are more likely to thrive.
Obesity: Excess weight could increase the risk of Cellulitis due to the increased skin folds and pressure on the lower limbs, which might expose them to infection and injury.
Cellulitis symptoms can be mild or severe and generally appear suddenly. Recognising these signs early may facilitate prompt treatment as untreated Cellulitis can spread and cause serious complications. The infection generally strikes the lower legs but it can also occur anywhere on the body.
The main symptoms of Cellulitis are given below :
Affected skin might appear red, purple, or darker than usual and the discoloration might spread as the infection progresses.
The infected area usually becomes swollen and sometimes difficult to move, especially if Cellulitis occurs on hands or feet.
Inflammation and body responses to infection make the infected area warm or hot to the touch.
Cellulitis is painful and touching the area may make it more sore, making simple movements uncomfortable.
The skin surface may be clumpy, bumpy or pitted like an orange peel texture.
Sometimes, tiny fluid-filled blisters or open sores form on the skin.
Flu-like symptoms like fever, sweating and chills might accompany the spread of the illness and signal an immune reaction.
General tiredness and body aches may accompany Cellulitis if it turns into a serious infection.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Cellulitis using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Herbal blends formulated to balance the body’s energies and eliminate the root-cause.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Practices to calm the mind, promote mental well being and overall health.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Therapies like Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Abhyanga etc are included in treatment to purify the body and help balance emotional health.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing or adjusting your eating habits and lifestyle for the best health outcomes.
Ayurvedic medicines for Cellulitis include natural remedies to control the infection, inflammation & swelling associated with the condition. These herbal treatments support the body’s healing process and relieve the discomfort caused by the disease.
Some Ayurvedic medicines for Cellulitis are listed below:
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and reduces swelling by encouraging the elimination of excess fluids from the body. It is especially useful in cases of Cellulitis with noticeable Edema.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Gokshura is a pain killer and an antibacterial agent. Additionally, it functions as diuretic, decreasing swelling and discomfort in the affected region.
Varun (Crataeva religiosa): Varun helps with severe blistering or fluid buildup. It promotes urination, reduces body fluid and swelling.
Shilajit (Mineral Pitch): Shilajit helps to repair damaged skin tissues faster through cell regeneration. It also has mild diuretic effects supporting fluid balance and preventing Cellulitis recurrence.
Triphala: Triphala reduces pain, redness and swelling. It also prevents water retention, making it effective to manage Edema in Cellulitis.
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem has antibacterial qualities and cleanses the skin. It is used directly on the infected area to inhibit bacterial growth and inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial component called curcumin which can be used to manage Cellulitis infection and reduce redness of the skin.
Cellulitis risk factors include skin injuries, persistent skin diseases including eczema, weakened immune systems and problems like diabetes. Poor circulatory conditions also increase the risk for Cellulitis infections.
Ayurveda physicians generally diagnose Cellulitis by examining the affected area for redness, warmth, and swelling.
Yes, untreated Cellulitis can spread throughout the body and even enter the bloodstream. This can cause more serious problems and early treatment is essential to manage the infection.
Ayurveda deals with Cellulitis using antibacterial, immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory herbs. Ayurvedic medicines reduce swelling, promote circulation and facilitate healing naturally without harsh side effects.
Cellulitis is not generally contagious. It is caused by bacteria entering broken skin rather than from touch, although contact with an infected open wound can spread the bacteria.
Although mild Cellulitis sometimes resolves on its own, treatment is usually needed to prevent the infection from escalating and causing complications. Early treatment facilitates faster recovery and lesser chances of recurrence.
Gokshura is an Ayurvedic herb for treating Cellulitis pain. Triphala may also reduce swelling and pain naturally to promote healing.
Staying hydrated, maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding processed foods help Cellulitis recovery. Ayurveda suggests a balanced diet to boost immunity and cure the wounds.
If left untreated or the infection is serious, Cellulitis could cause long-lasting skin damage (scarring or discoloration). Proper management and quick treatment can avoid permanent skin changes.
Ayurvedic herbs like Shilajit and Neem boost the immune system and prevent Cellulitis from returning. Regular use of these herbs and lifestyle changes may keep infections away and promote good health.
