Doctor Warns of Life-Threatening Risks of Untreated Cellulitis in BBC Morning Live Appearance
A doctor has issued a warning on BBC Morning Live, advising viewers to be vigilant about a potential warning sign that can appear on their legs. If left untreated, this condition could become “life-threatening.”
Cellulitis, a skin infection unrelated to cellulite, can cause serious complications if not treated quickly, according to the NHS. Dr. Ranj, a familiar face on the show, explained that the infection makes the skin painful, hot, and inflamed. “It can look completely different on different types of skin. It can look red, but on darker, black, and brown skin, it may look slightly discolored. You can also get blisters as well,” he said.
Dr. Ranj emphasized that cellulitis can cause flu-like symptoms, swollen and painful glands, and, in rare cases, it can escalate to life-threatening levels if the infection spreads. “Fortunately, most people will recover,” he noted. While cellulitis often affects the legs, it can develop on other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, and even around the eyes, according to the Mirror.
The doctor explained, “Cellulitis can affect your legs, but it tends to be one leg at a time. If it’s both, then you sometimes need to check if anything else is going on.” Dr. Ranj further warned that if cellulitis occurs around the eye, it becomes a medical emergency. “You need to seek help fast, as it can be dangerous for your vision. One of the things we look out for is that you may get redness on the whites of your eyes.”
Another warning sign is if the “eyeball sticks out.” While this is less common and not as serious, the doctor urged people to seek professional help to ensure the infection hasn’t spread. Dr. Ranj stressed that cellulitis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, which enters the deeper layers of the skin, typically through a cut, insect bite, or cracks caused by dry skin or eczema.
People who have cuts or breaks in their skin are more susceptible to cellulitis, but Dr. Ranj emphasized that the infection isn’t contagious. He also listed several risk factors that increase the likelihood of cellulitis, such as poor circulation, weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or chemotherapy, lymphoedema, recent surgery, and prior cellulitis cases.
If you suspect you have cellulitis, Dr. Ranj advises seeking treatment immediately, as untreated cases can worsen. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s crucial to call 999: a very high temperature, shivers, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, cold or pale skin, confusion, or purple patches on the skin, which could indicate sepsis.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics, which can take a couple of days to start working. Mild cases generally recover within 7 to 10 days, but severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics and hospital treatment.