Natural Methods for Cellulitis Treatment

Cellulitis is a serious skin infection with the potential to develop into a much more serious, life-threatening condition. While the traditional method of cellulitis treatment involves a course of antibiotics, there are also natural methods for coping with the problem.

An Overview of Cellulitis

Although the name may suggest a connection to cellulite, cellulitis is an infection caused by a bacteria that either gets into your body through an open wound or by breaking through your weakened immune system. People who have diseases such as diabetes, who are older, and who have recently had illnesses such as chicken pox are at greater risk. That is also the case for people with frequent fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot. When cellulitis is not treated, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and can sometimes reach the brain.

Other Cellulitis Treatments

Because of the potential for serious complications involved with cellulitis, you should always consult your physician and take a course of antibiotics to treat the condition. However, you can use some natural methods to boost the effectiveness of those medications. Some of the most effective herbs for this purpose include garlic, goldenseal, and Echinacea.

The garlic is known to have antibacterial properties which is why it can help destroy the infection. Most herbalists would recommend a dosage of three cloves or three capsules of garlic oil per day until the infection disappears. Goldenseal is believed to help with inflammation. While it can be taken internally, you can also add the powered form of the herb to water, form a paste, and apply it to the infected area overnight. Echinacea, of course, is well-known as an herb that enhances the immune response. While taking this herb can help your body fight back against the infection now, it can also help you prevent cellulitis from occurring in the first place if taken regularly.

Preventing Cellulitis

If you are adamant about not wanting to use antibiotics, you should take plenty of steps now to prevent the occurrence of cellulitis in your body. That includes taking precautions to protect your skin. For example, if you develop any type of fungal infection (these are most common the hands and feet) seek treatment as soon as possible. When left untreated, the infected site makes an easy access point for the bacteria.

You can also boost your immune response with other types of herbs. As mentioned above, a daily dose of Echinacea can help ward off the bacteria. However, there are other options as well, including ginseng, licorice, and Vitamin C. Although the effectiveness of Vitamin C as an anti-bacterial agent has been called into question, it can help you maintain overall good health and is important for the health of your immune system.

Pay attention to skin injuries. Even a mild cut should be cleaned with soap and water then covered with a bandage to prevent possible infection. If children have insect bites or a rash, they should be encouraged not to scratch because this can cause damage to the skin and can give the bacteria a road into your body.