Cellulitis Specialist
-
- Tweet
Faiza Tahir, MD
Infectious Disease Physician located in Baytown, TX
More than 14 million Americans develop cellulitis every year. Though most receive treatment in the office, 5% of them develop an infection severe enough to require hospitalization. Faiza Tahir, MD PA, in Baytown, Texas, has years of experience diagnosing and treating cellulitis. Dr. Tahir prescribes medication, provides advanced wound care, and creates customized treatments that promote healing and prevent the infection from spreading. Don't wait to get help for cellulitis. Call the office at the first sign of red, inflamed skin, or book an appointment online today.
Cellulitis Q&A
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a common infection that develops in the middle and deep layers of your skin. The infection most often occurs when bacteria get under your skin, entering through a bruise, insect bite, cracked skin, or wound.
Though cellulitis often occurs in the lower legs, it can develop anywhere on your body where bacteria gets through your skin. Without prompt treatment, the infection can cause serious complications by spreading into your bloodstream and lymph nodes.
What symptoms develop due to cellulitis?
The infection may cause fever, chills, and fatigue before you develop skin symptoms. Though red, inflamed skin is the primary symptom, you can experience any of the following:
- Red skin
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Red spots
- Blisters
- Bruising
Red lines that streak away from the reddened area of inflammation are signs that the infection is spreading.
When should I seek medical care for cellulitis?
You should always seek medical care for cellulitis to ensure you get treatment that eliminates the bacterial infection. However, you need immediate medical attention when you have:
- A very large area of inflammation
- A red area that’s enlarging
- Dark, discolored skin
- Numbness or tingling in your hand, arm, leg, or foot
- Cellulitis around your eyes or ears
Scheduling a prompt appointment is also important if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How is cellulitis diagnosed and treated?
In most cases, Dr. Tahir diagnoses cellulitis by reviewing your symptoms and performing a physical exam. She may also run blood tests and, in some cases, perform a blood culture to determine the exact type of bacteria responsible for the infection.
Dr. Tahir treats cellulitis with antibiotics that eliminate the bacteria. If you have an abscess (buildup of pus under the skin), she drains the fluids. Though she successfully treats most patients in the office, a severe case may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
It's important to get plenty of rest while your cellulitis heals. You can also help reduce the inflammation and boost healing by keeping your leg or arm elevated.
Dr. Tahir provides the appropriate wound care for the open or cracked area of your skin. She teaches you how to clean the area and apply fresh bandages at home, and asks you to watch for signs of expanding redness or additional drainage.
If you develop red, inflamed skin, call Faiza Tahir, MD PA, or book an appointment online today.
