Cellula Boost

The oils in this blend have traditionally been used to soothe eczema, psoriasis and other troublesome skin rashes.

Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis) is a common, potentially serious, spreading inflammation of the skin and the tissues just beneath the skin that results from bacterial infection. It usually begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling and redness, and it may spread rapidly. As this red area begins to enlarge, the person may develop a fever, sometimes with chills and sweats. Many experience swollen lymph nodes near the area of infected skin.
 
Any of a number of different bacteria may be responsible, including staphylococci, streptococci and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus). The infection manifests itself as a painful, hot, red area with an indistinct border, and it can spread both sideways and into deeper tissues. Symptoms generally come on suddenly and increase in severity over a twenty-four-hour period.
 
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, though it is most often found in areas where breaks in the skin provide a pathway for bacteria to enter and in places affected by edema. The face and lower legs are the most common sites, although it can occur anywhere on the body or face. Infections on the face are more common in children and older adults. People with edema are particularly at risk. Other risk factors include animal or human bites, diabetes, the use of steroid medications, a history of peripheral blood-vessel disease and recent cardiovascular or pulmonary surgery or invasive dental work. Following surgery or in the case of trauma wounds, cellulitis can develop in the abdomen or chest areas. Certain types of insect or spider bites also can transmit the bacteria that start the infection. People with morbid obesity can also develop cellulitis in the abnormal skin. The skin symptoms may or may not be accompanied by fever, chills, heart palpitations, headache and/or mental confusion.
 
Deeper, more serious cases of cellulitis can progress to a state called necrotizing cellulitis-fasciitis. In this form of the disorder, the infection can destroy tissue at a very rapid rate, and tissue destruction can extend to the fascia, fibrous tissue below the skin. The skin may take on a bluish color, blisters may develop, and systemic symptoms of fever, a rapid heartbeat and changes in consciousness are likely. Left untreated, the spreading infection may rapidly turn life-threatening.
 
There is also a more superficial version of cellulitis called erysipelas. This problem is caused by an aggressive type of streptococcal bacteria called beta-hemolytic streptococci. Erysipelas often affects the face, with a bright-red, sharply bordered painful area of skin, but can progress quickly to cause fever, chills and an overall ill feeling.
 
Cellulitis is unrelated (except etymologically) to cellulite, a "cosmetic" condition featuring dimpling of the skin.
 
Risk Factors
Information from Mayo Clinic lists several factors that can place you at greater risk of developing cellulitis:
    •    Age: As you age, your circulatory system becomes less effective at delivering blood — with its infection-fighting white blood cells — to some areas of your body. As a result, skin abrasions may lead to infections where your circulation is poor.
    •    Weakened immune system: Illnesses that result in a weakening of your immune system leave you more susceptible to infections such as cellulitis. Examples of these illnesses include chronic lymphocytic leukemia and HIV infection. Taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as prednisone or cyclosporine, also can leave you more vulnerable to infections. Immune-suppressing drugs are used to treat a variety of illnesses and to help prevent rejection in people who receive organ transplants.
    •    Diabetes: Having diabetes not only increases your blood sugar level but also impairs your immune system and increases your risk of infection. Your skin is one of the many areas of your body that becomes more susceptible to infection. Diabetes may result in decreased circulation of blood to your lower extremities, potentially leading to chronic ulcers of your feet. These ulcers can serve as portals of entry for bacterial infections.
    •    Chicken Pox and Shingles: These common viral diseases typically cause broken blisters on the skin that can serve as potential entry points for bacterial invasion and infection.
    •    Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema): Swollen tissue may crack, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection.
    •    Chronic fungal infection of your feet or toes: Recurrent fungal infection of your feet or toes can cause cracks in your skin, increasing your risk of bacterial infection.
    •    Intravenous drug use: People who inject illicit drugs have a higher risk of developing cellulitis.