Home Remedies for Cellulitis Infection

Cellulitis Infection is considered as the bacterial infection of the skin. The bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis infection are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These bacteria enter the skin through the cracks or abrasion.

It can occur in any part of the body including face but the legs are commonly affected. This infection can spread rapidly into the deeper tissues, lymph nodes, blood stream and to the other parts of the body.

What are the Causes of Cellulitis Infection?

• Any trauma such as fracture, skin cut or burns.
• Low immunity
• Prolonged oedema in the limbs can cause break in the continuity of the skin and makes a way for the bacterial infection.
• Skin diseases such as eczema, athlete’s foot, chicken pox etc.
• Being diabetic or obese will precipitate the chances of cellulitis.

What are the Symptoms of Cellulitis Infection?

• Reddish discolouration of the skin
• Pain and tenderness
• Blister formation
• Warm feeling over the affected area
• Fever
• Swelling
• Chills or shaking
• General ill feeling

Cellulitis Infection according to Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is a spine of healthy life. The recent advances and researches in Ayurveda not only promoted its utility but also established its importance in medical field all over the world.

Cellulitis Infection has been explained as Visarpa by Master Sushruta in Ayurveda. It has been described as vitiated dosha which affects twacha, rakta, mamsa and medo dhatu and produces an inflammatory swelling. This type of swelling is characterised as spreadable in nature.

There are severe systemic anti-microbial drugs available for the management of cellulitis infection but these treatments are not sufficient to eradicate this acute problem completely and have their own limitations.

But, external or local application of some herbal drug formulation over cellulitis can prove beneficial in the management as well as curing cellulitis infection.

Home Remedies for Cellulitis Infection

1. Tea Tree Oil

Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to a tablespoon of coconut oil and mix these oils well. Gently apply this mixture on the affected area. Leave it on for at least 2-3 hours and then wash it off with water. Apply this mixture twice daily on the affected area.

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory as well as anti-microbial properties so it is very beneficial in treating cellulitis. The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil also help in reducing the swelling and redness in the affected area.

2. Coconut Oil

Take a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil and massage gently over the affected area. Leave it on and allow the skin to absorb completely.  Apply coconut oil twice daily.

Coconut oil has excellent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and it also helps in keeping the skin moisturised. These properties of coconut oil not only help to treat cellulitis infection but also prevent its recurrence.

3. Turmeric

Take 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix all these ingredients in a bowl. Apply this mixture to the affected areas. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then wash the area with lukewarm water.

Turmeric possesses anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of curcumin in it. The medicinal properties of turmeric combined with honey which has healing properties is one of the best home remedies for cellulitis infection.

4. Garlic

Take 2-3 cloves of garlic and mince the garlic cloves to form a thick paste. Apply this paste directly to the affected areas and leave it for a couple of hours and then wash off with water. Garlic can be chewed daily to fight cellulitis infection from within.

The major constituent of garlic is allicin which is known for its exceptional anti-microbial properties. These anti-microbial properties help to prevent further infections as well and also help to reduce the swelling and pain associated with cellulitis infection.

5. Fenugreek Seeds

Take a handful of fenugreek seeds and soak the seeds in a bowl overnight. In the morning, grind the soaked fenugreek seeds into a thick paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas and leave it for an hour or two and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

This remedy works wonderfully as fenugreek seeds are a rich source of flavonoids that can help in reducing the pain and inflammation. The anti-microbial properties of fenugreek seeds can help in destroying the Staphylococcus bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis infection.

6. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Add 1-2 spoons of grapefruit seed extract to water and mix well. Consume this water regularly thrice daily.

Grapefruit seed extract exhibits anti-microbial activities against a wide range of pathogens and it helps in eliminating the Staphylococcus bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis infection. additionally, it is also considered as anti-inflammatory in nature and therefore helps in reducing the pain and inflammation.

7. Hot and Cold Compress

Take a hot water bottle or an ice pack and apply it directly to the affected area. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and repeat this remedy twice.

A hot and cold compress can provide instant relief. Hot compress helps in reducing the pain whereas a cold compress can reduce the pain and inflammation.

8. Epsom Salt Bath

Add a cup of Epsom salt to the bathwater and soak in it for 15-20 minutes and do this remedy on an alternate day.

The magnesium present in the Epsom salt helps in reducing the inflammation, swelling and pain associated with cellulites infection.

9. Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is used in various dermatological applications like acne, psoriasis, wound healing as it blocks or promotes the molecular pathways.

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric and boil it in a glass of milk. Drink this milk once or twice a day until the infection clears.

400-600 mg of standardised curcumin powder with water on an empty stomach can also be taken 2 times daily for several weeks.

Prevention:

• Clean the area gently with good antiseptic soap and water.
• Cover large and deep wounds with a clean bandage which must be changed regularly.
• People suffering from diabetes should take extra precautions in guarding themselves against any skin injury.