22 Best Home Remedies For Cellulitis Infection On Legs

updated: 12/02/2019

In essence, cellulitis^[1] is the  spreading of a bacterial infection on human skin and right beneath the skin surface. This is considered the most common types of illness resulted from staph bacteria^[2]. It affects hundreds of thousands of adults each year in the US. The infection mainly affects the legs but can also spread through the other body parts rapidly. Severe infections can spread throughout the body, and could be life-threatening. So, what is cellulitis? Before knowing more about these homemade treatments for cellulitis, getting some basic information about this disease is essential.

What Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis may appear as a swollen, red area that feels tender and hot when being touched^[3]. The swelling and redness usually spread quickly. Oftentimes, cellulitis is painful. In many cases, the skin on the lower legs is impacted, although the infections could be anywhere else in the dermis (skin). This condition often occurs on the skin’ surface, yet it may also affect the underlying tissues of the skin. Cellulitis can also spreads to the bloodstream and lymph nodes^[4].

What Are Symptoms Of Cellulitis?

Symptoms of cellulitis are diverse, but the most common symptoms are^[5]:

• Tenderness and pain in the affected area
• Inflammation or redness of the skin
• A skin rash or sore which appears and grows rapidly
• A glossy, tight, swollen appearance of skin
• A warm feeling in the area
• A fever
• A central area which has an abscess with the formation of pus

Some common symptoms of a severe case of cellulitis are:

• Chills^[5]
• Shaking
• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Muscle aches
• Lightheadedness
• High temperature
• Sweating

It is a medical emergency if you experience the following symptoms^[5]. Please seek medical attention immediately or visit your nearest clinic/hospital should you experience any of the following:

• Lethargy
• Blistering
• Red streaks
• Drowsiness

What Are Causes Of Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus and streptococci^[2]. You could be infected whne you have a break in the kin break, like:

• A bite, abrasion, or cut
• Surgery
• A tattoo or piercing
• Conditions such as psoriasis, dry skin, eczema, and fungal infections such as athlete’s food may also lead to breaks/tears in the skin

What Are Risk Factors Of Cellulitis?

The bacteria that are commonly responsible for cellulitis are opportunistic. Thus,  specific types of people will be at the higher risk of cellulitis and should pay extra attention to its signs:

• People with a compromised or weakened immune system, like from HIV/AIDS.
• People with diabetes, as the condition may promote the growth of bacteria and possible weakening of their immune system^[6].
• People with circulation problems as the proper blood flow is essential for healthy immune response.
• People with conditions that lead to blisters like chicken pox and shingles,  popped blisters create ways for infection to enter the body.
• People with the conditions that have a higher chance of having cracked skin, due to eczema and lymphedema (swelling of hands and fee).
• People who have recently had surgery.
• People using illegal intravenous medications without using clean needles.
• People who used to suffer from cellulitis.
• Obesity also increases the risk for cellulitis.

How Is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose cellulitis based on the symptoms plus with a physical exam. Most of time, you will need an additional testing^[7].

However, tests may need to be done in order to find out the causes of your symptoms and to control the problems. For instance, you may need an ultrasound, blood tests, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan.

How Is Cellulitis Treated Traditionally?

Normally, cellulitis will be treated with antibiotics^[8]. If the problem is mild, you can take antibiotic pills at home.

However, if you are not a fan of drugs and medical treatments, then you can think of natural ways to get rid of cellulitis. These remedies will  natural ingredients, offer simple-to-use approaches that you can use at home and bring significant results without side effects. Check out the best natural home remedies for cellulitis on legs here!

Top 22 Effective Home Remedies For Cellulitis Infection On Legs

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids^[9], especially lauric acid which may fight off the bacteria. Also, coconut oil may soothe the skin and possesses healing properties^[10]. What you need to do is:

• Take a small amount of coconut oil to apply over your infected skin areas
• Wait for several hours and rinse it off afterwards
• Do this method 2-3 times per day till you see good results.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties^[11], making it beneficial for a lot of health and beauty issues, including cellulitis. To take advantage of tea tree oil for cellulitis, you should take these steps:

Method 1:

• Take a cotton swab to moisten and put 1-2 drops of tea tree oil on the swab.
• Add a carrier oil or water to dilute as tea tree tends to be rather strong
• Dab it over your infected areas and rinse it off with cool water after several hours

Method 2:

• You can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of raw honey or fresh aloe vera gel.
• Apply the mixture over your skin and wash it off after a couple of hours.
• These remedies could be applied 1-2 times per day till you get satisfied results.

3. Turmeric

If you are wondering which ingredients in your kitchen could be used as a cellulitis treatment, then look nowhere but turmeric. Turmeric with its powerful natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties^[12]

may prevent as well as treat cellulitis. The active ingredient – curcumin – available in turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. Follow the methods below:

Method 1:

• Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk (alternative milk options such as almond/rice/hemp/coconut milk), then boil it
• Add a small amount of honey into if you want
• Drink this mixture 1-2 times per day till your infection disappears.

Method 2:

Take 400-600 mg of standardized curcumin powder for 3 times per day for a few weeks

Method 3:

• Mix raw honey and turmeric powder together with the ratio of 1:1, then add 3 drops of tea tree oil and 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay to make a good paste.
• Apply the paste over your infected area, wait for 15 minutes and rinse it off with cool water. Be sure to not stain your clothing or furniture when you apply paste.
• Do this daily for a couple of days

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is commonly known as curd because of its bacterial actions, which help in decreasing and discarding the infection in people with cellulitis^[14]. Follow these methods:

• Apply the yogurt on your affected skin areas
• Or, you can consume 1-2 cups of yogurt because it has good bacteria count in the human body and attacks the infections internally.

5. Water

Although this sounds strange, water may work wonders in this case^[14]. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out the bad bacteria and toxins in the human body through urine. It is a prominent treatment for bacterial infections. Besides, you should also regularly wash off the affected areas with water to give soothing and calming effects while keeping your skin clean. Make sure you are using water from a good source. Otherwise boil and let cool before using water.

6. Fennel And Rosemary Oil

The mixture of fennel and rosemary oil may act as an efficient skin lubricant^[15]. Usually, cellulitis sufferers often scratch their infected areas because of an irritation. Thus, applying this mixture of oils may help avoid the triggers of rashes. Just simply apply several drops of this mixture over your infected skin areas till your infection disappears.

7. Goldenseal

This plant originates from North America. It has been used in a wide range of products and for many years. It is a natural treatment for cellulitis because of its anti-inflammatory effects^[16]. Just simply use the powerful paste made from goldenseal on your infected areas or take it internally to get good results.

8. Warm Bath

Prevention is better than cure. We all know that. Taking a warm bath may hel prevent cellulitis. A person with cellulitis should have good hygiene, bath regularly and avoid walking barefoot. Additionally, it is important to should also take care of the wounds properly, washing hands with soap and water before and after touching wounds. The same applies with taking care dressings^[17].

9. Calendula

Calendula is an herb with soothing effects on inflamed and tender skin^[18]. To use it, take the following steps:

• Take 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers to steep in a cup of hot water and wait for 10 minutes.
• Then, dip a clean cotton ball in this solution before applying over your infected skin areas.
• Wait for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
• Re-apply the routine 3-4 times regularly for good results.

10. Manuka Honey

This type of honey originates from New Zealand. Manuka honey is high in phytochemicals which are efficient in controlling of staph infections^[19]. In Manuka honey, there are active compounds which may inhibit the antibiotic-resistant MRSA while helping speed up the wound healing process. Follow these steps:

• Take a proper amount of Manuka honey to spread over your infected skin areas
• Wait for several hours before rinsing it off with water
• Do this a few times per day till you get satisfied results

11. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are jam packed with flavonoids that can be used externally on the skin to help decrease infections and inflammation^[20].

• Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in the warm water for several hours
• Grind them with some water to create a good paste
• Apply the paste over your infected areas
• After several hours, rinse it off
• Repeat this routine everyday till you remove symptoms of cellulitis

12. Garlic

To get rid of cellulitis, you can use garlic – a natural antibiotic that may fight off infections. This is due to the active compound allicin having strong antimicrobial properties^[21]. Moreover, it also helps in decreasing inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory property.

• Consume 3-4 crushed raw garlic cloves every day for several weeks. In case you do not like its strong smell and taste, drink a glass of  water or juice after that.
• Or, you can also fry two crushed cloves of garlic in coconut oil, then cool it after straining. Apply it over your affected skin areas. Wait for a few hours prior to rinsing it off. Use it twice per day.
• Alternatively, you could apply crushed garlic to your affected site for several minutes and create a politice. Please note, there are some people who have sensitive skin should not use garlic.You can test if you have a sensitivity by using it on a small portion of your skin.

13. Echinacea

Echinacea could be used to handle cellulitis as it may strengthen the immune system^[22]. Echinacea has flavonoids with anti-microbial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-allergic properties^[23]. It could be used both externally and internally to treat inflammation and irritation. You should consult a doctor before using this herb for proper dosage.

Warning: Echinacea is unsuitable for people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

14. Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is porous, helping in drawing toxins as well as chemical impurities contributing to skin infections and inflammation^[24].

• Mix activated charcoal powder and ground flaxseed with the ratio of 1:1. Add a proper amount of water to create a good paste.
• Spread it over a piece of a towel/clean cloth and use another paper towel to cover it up.
• Place the poultice on your infected areas, use a piece of plastic to cover and take a tape to secure it.
• Wait for several hours or even overnight
• Do this every day for several days

If your infection spreads and you have some other symptoms like chills, fever, rapid breathing, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes, it is advisable to contact a professional or doctor immediately.

15. Pineapples

Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain which may lessen inflammation^[25]. What is great is that you can just consume slices of this fruit instead of applying it onto your skin.

16. Massage

Whilst you do not want to put too much pressure on your cellulitis areas, there is some types of massage called manual lymphatic drainage, which is specifically designed to enhance the flow of lymph fluids and keep the lymph nodes of the human body getting clogged^[26]. Remember that manual lymph drainage often requires a particular technique, so you should seek a recommended and trained practitioner.

17. Neem

Using neem is one of  the most effective ways to relieve the symptoms of cellulitis. This plant is a member of the “Meliaceae” family. The neem oil may be used on the skin for killing bacteria^[27]. Neem seed oil when mixed with water can be used to wash the infected areas. Meanwhile, the juice of neem leaves is useful for treating skin wounds^[28] as well as animal/insect bites. If you dilute neem leaf juice with water and drink regularly, you may be able to get relief from cellulitis symptoms in a reasonable amount of time.

18. Vitamin A, C And E

Consider using vitamin A and E for curing your cellulitis condition. The anti-infective properties of vitamin A^[29] may be useful in treating cellulitis. Consuming vitamin C may accelerate the process of healing skin wounds as well as rashes^[30]. Moreover, it boosts your immune system. Also, consuming vitamin E may reduce the development of skin infection. Some foods that are rich in these nutrients are oranges, carrots, nuts, olive oil, wheat germ oil, dairy products, almond butter, and sunflower seeds.

19. Sweet Clover

Sweet clover may be a familiar ingredient for people who often do research on the uses of herbs on skin disorders. Having many nutrients^[31], sweet clover may help with thin blood, speeding the recovery, and curing of cellulitis.

Here are what you have to do:

• Mix 2 teaspoons of chopped sweet clover with a proper amount of hot water
• Boil them up for 10 minutes.
• Let the mixture cool and drink it.
• Drink this tea twice or thrice per day to boost your healing process.

20. Silicea

This is a homoeopathic medicine for cellulitis when the blebs (blisters filled with serous fluid) exist on your skin^[32]. The method will bring good results when you see blebs built on your skin prior to seeing cellulitis symptoms. Those blebs may have pus, may be very offensive. You can use this home treatment when having a fever with offense perspiration as well as chillness accompanied with cellulitis.

21. Ledum Palustre

This is another homoeopathic remedy for cellulitis which is resulting from insect bites^[32]. This homeopathic remedy may be used to cure cellulitis when a coldness of the infected part along with terrible painful feelings happens. You can use this method for long-term cellulitis that your skin color change into green.

22. Apis Mellifica

The last but not least effective homeopathic suggestion is apis mellifica. This pain killer is very good for those having a alot of swelling of the affected areas with burning and stinging pais^[32].

This ingredient is great when you notice the skin tissue has a rosy hue and you feel more sensitive towards touches. Apis Mellifica also be helpful for cases of cellulitis caused by bee stings.

Extra Tips To Prevent Cellulitis

Treat your cuts appropriately with good-quality antiseptic ointments; use a bandage to cover large wounds until your skin condition improves.

• Take steps to alleviate the risk of injuries like using proper protective equipment, such as when biking, working or even gardening.
• Do not let your skin dry. Moisturize skin and stop it from cracking.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to keep the immune system healthy
• Keep your affected areas above the heart level to reduce edema as well as pain. Take supports of the blanket, pillow or stool to keep your infected areas elevated in the comfortable position.
• Keep the wounds fresh and clean. Wash them with water and safe soap, in general.
• Avoid sharing your personal items like clothing, razor, or bedding.
• Keep your exercise equipment clean with disinfectant.
• Wash your hands with soap and water both before and after touching your wounded skin areas.
• Use pressure stockings because they are tight and can add pressure on your legs to help boost the blood circulation.
• Visit a doctor, clinic or hospital when you see your symptoms getting worse, like wound enlargement, leg swelling, pain, pus, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing, etc; or risk facing more serious complications.

There, you have gotten top 22 home remedies for cellulitis on legs that can help you treat cellulitis symptoms naturally with nominal costs. Remember that these are just referred methods for cellulitis treating. Hence, it is best to consult your healthcare professional before applying any of them. Do not hesitate to leave your words below the post to let us know what you think. We will respond to your feedback as soon as possible. For other health and beauty issues, you can visit our Home Remedies Category to learn more.

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