• Gleneagles Medical Centre, 6 Napier Road, #08-08, S258499
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Consultation Fees (In Clinic)

First Consultation (within 30 min)

$195.00 and above

Long First Consultation (within 30 - 60 min)

$295.00 and above

Follow-up Consultation (within 30 min)

$120.00 and above

Long Follow-up Consultation (within 30-60 min)

$195.00 and above

Emergency Consultation (W/IN 30 min)

$350.00 and above

Emergency Long Consultation (W/IN 30-60 min)

$500.00 and above

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Home|Cellulitis

Cellulitis

Cellulitis

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It most commonly occurs in the legs but can also occur in other areas of the body. The infection can cause redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area. It is usually caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus and can spread rapidly if left untreated. Cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics, but in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

cellulitis diagram

Common Causes of Cellulitis

Some common causes of cellulitis of the leg include:
  • Injury or trauma to the leg, such as a cut or scrape.
  • Insect bites or stings, which can break the skin and allow bacteria to enter.
  • Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, which can damage the skin and make it more susceptible to infection.
  • Obesity, which can cause skin folds that trap bacteria.
  • Weakened immune system due to an underlying medical condition or medication.

In some cases, the exact cause of the cellulitis may not be known. It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have cellulitis, as prompt treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading and causing serious complications.

Reducing Cellulitis Risk in Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that occurs when the veins in the legs cannot efficiently return blood back to the heart. This can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, leg pain, and skin changes. People with chronic venous insufficiency are at an increased risk of developing cellulitis.

Cellulitis can occur when bacteria enter the skin through a break or crack, such as a wound or ulcer, and can spread quickly. In people with chronic venous insufficiency, the skin may already be compromised due to poor circulation, making it more susceptible to infection.

If you have chronic venous insufficiency, it is important to take steps to prevent cellulitis, such as keeping the skin clean and moisturized, avoiding injury to the legs, and managing any wounds or ulcers carefully. If you develop any signs of cellulitis, seek medical attention promptly to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious complications.

Cellulitis Example Case
The symptoms and signs of leg cellulitis may vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
  • Redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area
  • Pain or tenderness in the affected area
  • Skin that feels tight or shiny
  • A rash or blistering on the skin
  • Fever, chills, and fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Red streaking on the skin from the affected area towards the body.
Cellulitis Example Case

In severe cases, cellulitis can cause abscesses, deep tissue infections, or sepsis, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment for Cellulitis

The treatment of leg cellulitis involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The choice of antibiotic will depend on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria involved. In many cases, a course of oral antibiotics, such as penicillin or cephalosporins, is sufficient. In more severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

In addition to antibiotics, other treatments may be recommended to manage symptoms and promote healing. These may include:

  • Elevating the affected leg to reduce swelling
  • Applying warm compresses to the affected area to relieve pain and promote drainage of the infection
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
  • Cleaning and dressing any wounds or ulcers that may have contributed to the infection
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary if the infection is severe or if the patient has other underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications, such as diabetes.

It is important to take all prescribed antibiotics for the full course of treatment, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Failure to complete the course of antibiotics can result in the recurrence of the infection and may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Cellulitis can also be recurrent; this is when two or more episodes of cellulitis occur in the same area of the body over a period of time. It can occur due to underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of infection, such as lymphedema, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease. In some cases, recurrent cellulitis may occur due to incomplete treatment of the initial infection or reinfection from the same bacteria. Proper management of underlying medical conditions and prompt treatment of any signs of infection can help prevent recurrent cellulitis.

Our Screening Packages (Non-insurance)

screening room

Varicose veins screening package (single leg)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – to check distribution and anatomy plus to assess skin problem
  • Ultrasound reflux scan – to check for venous insufficiency (two legs add $450 + GST)
  • $588 + GST

Spider veins screening package (single leg)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – to check distribution and anatomy plus to assess skin problem
  • 1 session laser treatment – (additional session $450 + GST)
  • $588 + GST

Varicose veins and spider veins package (single leg)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – to check distribution and anatomy plus to assess skin problem
  • Ultrasound reflux scan – to check for venous insufficiency (two legs add $450 + GST)
  • 1 session spider vein laser treatment (additional session 450 + GST)
  • $988 + GST (two legs – add $400 + GST)

Diabetic foot screening (basic)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – to check circulation, biomechanics of foot arch, sensory loss
  • Ankle brachial pressure index (lab) – to check blood flow in legs
  • Blood test – to check average sugar levels in 3 months
  • $388 + GST

Diabetic foot screening (extensive)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – to check circulation, biomechanics of foot arch, sensory loss
  • Ankle brachial pressure index (lab) – to check blood flow in legs
  • Blood test – to check average sugar levels in 3 months
  • Single leg arterial duplex – to identify specific artery problem (additional leg scan $400 + GST)
  • X-ray one foot – to check bone infection
  • $888 + GST

Cardiovascular screening (normal)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – full cardiovascular examination including the heart and limb arteries
  • Ankle brachial pressure index (lab) – this is a marker for longevity and cardiovascular health
  • Blood tests (lipids) – to check all the types of cholesterol
  • Carotid scan – to identify block artery to the brain hence stroke
  • Echocardiogram – to identify heart muscle function
  • $1098 + GST

Cardiovascular screening (comprehensive)

  • Consultation & Review – assess history, risk factors, life style, symptoms
  • Examination – full cardiovascular examination including the heart and limb arteries
  • Ankle brachial pressure index (lab) – this is a marker for longevity and cardiovascular health
  • Blood tests (lipids) – to check all the types of cholesterol
  • Carotid scan – to identify block artery to the brain hence stroke
  • CT coronary Angiogram plus calcium score – gold standard to identify block heart arteries
  • $2098 + GST

Our Doctors

Dr Julian Wong

Dr Julian Wong

Senior Vascular & General Surgeon
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Dr Tang Tjun Yip

Dr Tang Tjun Yip

Senior Vascular & General Surgeon
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Conditions We Treat