Cellulitis may spread to deeper structure, can enter in lymph or blood to spread in whole body resulting in severe complications. If there is high fever, chills, severe pain, no response to oral medicines; hospitalization may be required. Common complication of Cellulitis are-
- Sepsis: It is probably the most serious and life endangering complication of Cellulitis. Sepsis is the systemic infectious condition where infection has spread in full body through blood.
- Abscess: Pus filled cavity may form under the skin and may require incisional drainage or surgery.
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: Here deeper layers of skin are involved resulting in death of affected tissue causing Necrotizing Fasciitis. It is a rare condition.
- Gangrene: Cellulitis may cause tissue death known as gangrene. Chances of developing gangrene are more in Diabetics or in people with compromised immune system.
- Lymphangitis: Cellulitis may cause inflammation of the lymph vessels known as Lymphangitis.
- Meningitis: Facial Cellulitis if not treated timely can lead to Meningitis which is the inflammation of coverings of brain. This is a severe condition and can be life threatening too.
