Cellulitis is a common but potentially serious bacteria skin infection of the deeper layers of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues, where the skin has broken open, such as a cut, scrape, insect bite, ulcer, burn, surgical wound, or where the skin is breaking down from conditions like eczema, psoriasis or a fungal infection.
Although the infection mostly occurs on the lower legs, it may occur anywhere on your body. The affected area usually looks red and swollen and feels hot, tender, and painful. Cellulitis is not contagious as the outer skin layer remains intact.
Most cases of cellulitis are mild and tend to resolve within several days or a few weeks, but at times, it may progress to a more serious infection or other dangerous problems.
HERE ARE FOUR BASIC REMEDIES FOR CELLULITIS
1. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil or Melaleuca oil is well reputed for its potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. This has led to its widespread use in cosmetics and for the treatment of skin infections. Scientific evidence shows that it is effective in treating acne with fewer side effects
- Moisten a cotton swab with water and put one or two drops of tea tree essential oil on it. Dab it on the site of the infection. Leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
- Alternatively, you can mix a couple of drops of tea tree oil in one teaspoon of Aloe vera gel or raw honey. Apply it on your skin and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing it off.
2. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is used traditionally to moisturize the skin in many parts of the world. It has proven antiseptic properties and contains medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid which helps fight bacteria. Monolaurin, a by-product of coconut, was able to inhibit both gram positive and gram-negative bacteria isolated from skin infections.
- Apply coconut oil on the affected area.
- Leave it on for a few hours and then wash it off.
- Reapply several times a day until the problem is resolved.
3. Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful natural antibiotic and antiseptic to prevent and treat cellulitis. Its active ingredient curcumin also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk and boil it. You can also add a little honey. Drink this turmeric milk once or twice daily until the infection clears.
- Alternatively, you can take 400 to 600 mg of standardized curcumin powder, three times daily for several weeks to a couple of months.
- You can also make a turmeric poultice by mixing one tablespoon of raw honey, one teaspoon of turmeric powder and three drops of tea tree oil in one or two teaspoons of bentonite clay, enough to make a paste. Apply it on the affected area and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Use it daily for a few days.
- Note: Turmeric should not be consumed for medicinal purposes if you have gallbladder problems as it can get aggravated. If you are taking diabetic medications or have blood clotting disorders.
4. Calendula: Calendula is soothing for the tender and inflamed skin and fights infection. Calendula flower water decoction is used traditionally to treat various skin conditions caused by bacteria.
A study published in 2008 demonstrated that water-soluble extracts of calendula had the highest inhibitory activity against a broad range of bacteria. Plus, it increases blood flow to the affected area and also stimulates the production of collagen, thereby promoting wound healing.
- Steep two teaspoons of calendula flowers in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Dip a clean piece of cloth in this infusion and apply it on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat three or four times daily for a few weeks.
- You can also apply calendula cream a few times a day until you see improvement
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