Have you heard of cellulitis? This is a common bacterial skin infection that’s characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. If left untreated, it can spread and have serious health implications.
In this post, we discuss cellulitis in more detail, including:
- What causes cellulitis?
- Signs and symptoms of cellulitis
- Can manuka honey help manage symptoms?
- Tips for preventing cellulitis.
Read on to learn more about manuka honey and cellulitis – and how you can enjoy happier skin today.
More about Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a skin infection that is often treated with antibiotics. If not treated quickly, it can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of cellulitis include hot, painful, and swollen skin. The affected area may be red, but may be less obvious on darker skin tones. Other signs include chills, blisters, spots, fever, and skin dimpling. Cellulitis can affect any part of the body but typically appears on the hands, feet, and lower legs.
What Causes Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection which means it’s caused by different types of bacteria entering the skin. The most common causes of cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus entering through a crack or break in the skin. Cellulitis commonly occurs in the lower legs because this is where bacteria is more likely to enter due to broken, dry, flaky, or swollen skin from dermatitis or athlete’s foot. You cannot catch cellulitis from another person, as it affects the deeper layers of the skin.
Risk Factors for Developing Cellulitis
The following factors can increase the risk of developing cellulitis:
Injury
Bacteria is more likely to enter from a cut, burn, scrape, or fracture.
Weakened immune system
Having a condition like diabetes, leukemia and HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
Skin conditions
Itchy skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and athlete’s foot can cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria an entry point.
Being overweight
Being overweight can increase the risk of developing cellulitis.
Can you use Manuka Honey for Cellulitis?
Manuka honey is a powerful, natural remedy used to treat a variety of dermal issues, heal wounds, soothe throats, and much more. It’s renowned for its antibacterial powers and anti-inflammatory properties that help it reduce swelling and inflammation. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
You can use our gentle Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream to find soothing relief from itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. Made with just 6 natural ingredients – this oil-based balm also works wonders for treating symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, cuts and scrapes, sunburn, and more.
You can also use manuka honey dressings for cellulitis to target specific areas. Our Remedywear™ Eczema and Psoriasis Sleeves can be worn to cover hard-to-treat areas like elbows, knees, arms, and legs. Start by applying the Manuka cream mentioned above and then cover up with these bandages. The stretchy and form-fitting material stays put alone or under clothing so that you can wear them all day or night long in ultimate comfort while the cream works it's moisturizing magic.
Tips for Preventing and Treating Cellulitis
Alongside taking your prescribed antibiotics, you can boost your recovery journey by:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Raising the affected part of your skin when lying or sitting down to reduce swelling
- Regularly moving the affected area to prevent it from getting stiff.
- Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear to avoid getting cuts and scrapes.
- Protecting your skin from harmful scratching.
- Keeping your skin clean and well moisturized.
- Cleaning and caring for wounds properly.
Treat your Skin Today
In addition to antibiotics from your doctor, use manuka honey to soothe mild symptoms of cellulitis today.
