In essence, cellulitis is a common skin problem which happens when the bacteria enter a skin break and spread. As result, an infection appears and causes redness, swelling, warmth and pain.
In many cases, cellulitis happens on the legs, despite the infection could happen anywhere on the body and even face. It often impacts the skin surface, but it also impacts underlying skin tissues. Even, it could spread to your bloodstream and lymph nodes. In average cases, cellulitis does not cause any harmful physical effects, apart from beauty problems. However, if not treated, this condition might spread and get life-threatening.
Some common signs and symptoms of cellulitis include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warmth of the infected area
- Soreness or rash that appears and grows fast
- a formation of pus in the central area
- a fever
In more severe cases, symptoms could be:
- chills
- shaking
- a feeling of illness
- dizziness
- fatigue
- lightheadedness
- warm skin
- muscle aches
- sweating
A few signs that cellulitis gets spreaded:
- blistering
- drowsiness
- red streaks
- lethargy
Basically, cellulitis is caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. The skin injuries like insect bites, cuts, or surgical incisions are often sites of infection. There are also some specific factors that increase the risk of getting cellulitis, which are:
- A weak immune system
- Intravenous drug use
- A history of cellulitis
- Skin problems causing breaks out the skin like athlete’s foot and eczema
- Diabetes
As usual, doctors will prescribe a regimen of oral antibiotics for you to treat this condition and the problem will disappear in 7-10 days of using the medicine. For severe cases, longer treatment can happen.
However, if your cellulitis is still under your control, think of using some natural ingredients as treatments. Remember that, along with these natural home remedies for cellulitis, it is still essential to consider using recommended antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for better results. Here from the section Skincare of the site Healthy Guide, we reveal top home remedies for cellulitis that may surprise you!
Top 27 Home Remedies For Cellulitis On Face, Leg And Toe Are Revealed
1. Tea Tree Oil
Having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, tea tree oil is one of the best home remedies for cellulitis on leg and face you should take advantage of. The application of natural oils like this oil could work to fight bacteria. However, remember to use it sparingly because it is potent. Follow the simple recipe below to know how you can make use of this natural material right at home:
Preparation:
- A cotton ball
- Water
- Tea tree oil
- Aloe vera gel (optional)
- Raw honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Moisten the cotton ball with water and put 1-2 drops of tea tree oil onto.
- Apply it over your affected skin area and wait for several hours
- Wash it off with tepid water
- Follow this routine twice per day to get good results
Or, as an alternative, you could mix several drops of tea tree oil with 1 teaspoon of raw honey or aloe vera gel. Then, apply it over your skin for a couple of hours before washing it off.
2. Coconut Oil
Similar to tea tree oil, coconut oil also help treat cellulitis symptoms naturally thanks to its healing and soothing properties. Furthermore, coconut oil also has medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid which are effective in fighting bacteria.
Steps to take:
- Use a cotton ball to apply coconut oil over your affected area
- Wait for several hours before rinsing it off with lukewarm water
- Repeat this routine a few times per day to see better results.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is considered one of the oldest home remedies for cellulitis on leg, face, and body for ages. With its antiseptic and antibiotic properties, turmeric can deal with a lot of skin disorders. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that clear infections. Basically, turmeric could be applied both topically and consumed internally with honey and milk. For topical using, you can follow these steps:
Preparation:
- 3 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- A cotton swab
Instructions:
- Mix the prepared ingredients together to create a good paste
- Apply the mixture over your affected skin area using a cotton swab
- Wait for 20 minutes or so before washing it with warm water.
- The results should be seen in a few days of application
Or, you can also make a turmeric poultice by combining 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 3 drops of tea tree oil, 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture over your skin and wait for 20 minutes to wash it off. Apply it a few days.
4. Calendula
It is famous for smoothening properties on the human skin. Calendula can also fight and enhance blood flow to your infected skin area, thereby promoting the healing process. You can either make use of calendula creams to help treat cellulitis or following these steps:
Preparation:
- 2 teaspoons of calendula flowers
- Warm water
- A cotton ball
Instructions:
- Add the prepared calendula flowers in a cup of the warm water
- Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture over your skin
- Wait for 20 minutes and rinse it off with warm water
- Reapply it 3-4 times per day for about 3 weeks.
5. Pycnogenol
This is an herb extracted from the bark of pine trees. It is among natural home remedies for cellulitis. When being used, it enhances the skin health, bringing bacteria activities to null.
6. Yogurt
Using yogurt can discard the infection of the skin thanks to its anti-bacteria properties.
- Apply yogurt over your infected skin area and wait for 30 minutes before washing it off.
- Or, you can consume 1-2 cups of yogurt to increase good bacterial count within your body, thereby internally attacking the problem.
7. Oregano Oil
The oil of oregano has anti-biotic properties and phenolic compounds like thymol and carvacrol. These substances have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties which can relieve cellulitis symptoms naturally. According to a study conducted by researchers in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, using the 3% oregano extract ointment can reduce subsequent infection and bacterial contamination in those people with wounds after having surgical.
Apply these steps to take advantage of oregano oil for your cellulitis:
Preparation:
- 10-12 drops of oregano oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil / coconut oil / jojoba oil
- Apply the final solution to your infected area and rinse it off after several hours
Alternatively, you can take this oil internally with the help of other ingredients. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey, 3 drops of oregano oil, 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Consume the solution several times per day f or 7-10 days.
Another way to make use of the oil of oregano is to mix it with water or fruit juice. Then, drink the mixture 3-5 times per day. Reduce your dosage to just 3 drops as a regular maintenance for 10 days.
Warning: Do not use the full-strength oregano oil on your broken skin. Those women who are getting pregnant should also avoid this oil as it could induce menstruation and stimulate their uterus.
In summary, do not skip or look down the power of this natural ingredient as it is one of the most effective home remedies for cellulitis you can benefit from soon if you are among cellulitis sufferers.
8. Manuka Honey
Originated from New Zealand, manuka honey is very high in phytochemicals which are efficient in taking control of staph infections. These active compounds have been found to inhibit antibiotic resistant MRSA. Also, using manuka honey helps to accelerate the healing process.
- Spread Manuka honey on your infected area
- Wait for a few hours before rinsing it off
- Apply this several times per day to get satisfied results.
9. Garlic
Being well-known for several health benefits and disease relieving effects, garlic is actually among the most amazingly useful home remedies for cellulitis as well and people should not look it down at all costs!
Being well-known for its antibacterial properties, garlic can help destroy bacteria causing cellulitis. Moreover, with its anti-inflammatory properties, garlic can reduce inflammation significantly. Oftentimes, it should be consumed directly or in the oil form. You can eat 3-4 crushed raw garlic cloves every day for a few weeks. Drink a glass of warm milk after that if you can’t stand the smell and taste of garlic
Or, you can take these steps to take advantage of garlic externally.
- Fry 2 crushed garlic cloves in the coconut oil
- Let the mixture cool down and strain it
- Apply it over your infected area and wait for 2 hours to rinse it off
- Reapply it 2 times per day
Note: Do not apply the crushed garlic cloves directly on your infected skin, particularly if you haves sensitive skin.
10. Fenugreek
This is a chock full of flavonoids and could be used externally on the skin to help decrease the infections and inflammation of the skin. Thus, never look down the power of fenugreek and related products. Follow the simple steps below and you will find out how to beat off the hateful cellulitis issue right at the comfort of your own home without having to go out:
- Soak 2 tsp of fenugreek seeds in the warm water for several hours
- Then, grind them with little water to create a good paste
- Apply the paste over your infected area
- Wait for several hours before rinsing it off
- Reapply this routine every day to get rid of cellulitis
11. Echinacea
This plant could be used to treat cellulitis thanks to its immune-strengthening ability. With the anti-microbial, antibiotic, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties of the flavonoids in echinacea, the bacteria causing cellulitis will be faded out.
Take this herb naturally or use it topically in the form of cream or gel to get rid of skin inflammation and irritation. However, do not forget to consult your doctor before using this ingredient to get the right dosage.
Note: Those people having autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus should not use this plant.
12. Activated Charcoal
Another option among home remedies for cellulitis you can use is activated charcoal. Being porous, the activate charcoal can draw out the toxins as well as chemical impurities which contribute to infections and skin inflammation effectively.
- Mix activated charcoal powder with ground flaxseed with the ratio of 1:1 and add a little bit water to create a good paste
- Spread the mixture over a paper towel and cover it with another one.
- Place it over your infected area, use a piece of plastic to secure, followed by a tape
- Wait for several hours before using this product.
- Reapply the process for several days.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
We all know that apple cider vinegar is very versatile when it comes to uses. In regard to home remedies for cellulitis, it is an effective option. Being rich in anti-bacterial properties, apple cider vinegar can eradicate the bacteria from your skin. Moreover, it is also helpful supplying relief from itching and skin inflammation. Just simply mix a few drops of this ingredient with water and drink the solution daily to get a natural relief.
14. Baking Soda
The next one in this list of home remedies for cellulitis is baking soda – a very common and well-known material that can help a lot in cooking, baking, and curing a lot of health issues, especially those related to skin and skin care. With its anti-bacterial properties, baking soda can provide a natural relief of skin inflammation as well as irritation. You can make a good paste made from baking soda and water to apply over your skin to treat the issue.
15. Yarrow
Has been found useful in curing different types of skin issues, yarrow is an excellent treatment for defeating the bacterial infections like cellulitis.
Add 100gr of yarrow to 5 gallons of warm water. Soak your infected areas in this bath for 15 minutes to lessen the irritation and inflammation caused by cellulitis.
16. Thyme
Thyme can be found in almost herbal stores. It is a must-try remedy among many home remedies for cellulitis mentioned here. Thanks to its anti-bacterial properties, thyme can control bacterial growth effectively. But, you need to take precautions whilst consuming this herb. Do not consume its oil because it might be toxic. Do not take it with blood thinning drugs.
For safe dosage, you could consume 1-2 gm of thyme a day in 3-4 doses. Keeping using this treatment for several days till the infection disappears.
17. Gotu Kola
This wonder herb has gotten its fame worldwide. It is often associated with many skin infection treatments and also one of effective home remedies for cellulitis. This herb is used as an active ingredient aiding in combating infectious bacteria in many herbal creams for bacterial infections. You can consume 60gm of Gotu Kola two times per day. The stimulating effect of gotu kola on your skin will promote healing process. But, avoid using it if you have a high blood pressure or anxiety.
18. Frankincense Essential Oil
Using this essential oil over your infected area will help relieve the redness, pain and irritation associated with cellulitis. This oil could be used 3 – 4 times per day for 1 month to give good results.
19. Gingko Biloba
This is great medicinal herb which can stimulate metabolism, improve blood circulation, and support cellulitis treating process. Whilst this herb is well accepted generally, it should not be used in those with clotting disorders or those who are using blood thinning drugs.
20. Sweet Clover
Being a popular herb for many skin infections, sweet clover flowers and leaves are effective in treating cellulitis. This herb has certain ingredients which can thin the blood and therefore aid in the process of healing. Generally, it is safe for most of us. Nonetheless, if you use it, get a liver test to make sure you do not have liver diseases or existing liver damages. Take 2-3 cups of sweet clover tea every day. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the finely chopped sweet clover in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes before straining it. That way, you have sweet clover tea.
21. Indian Chestnut
Indian Chestnut is rich in flavonoid and polyphenolic, so it has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. Try it if you are looking for home remedies for cellulitis on face and leg.
The oil which is extracted from Indian chestnut is often used for many skin issues. People often chop this fruit and boil in water, then take that water to wash their body. According to a recent study, the extract of Indian chestnut leaves, if picked fresh before being dried and grounded into a powder, could help control the immune system of the human body. It also has an ability to evade the cancerous cells. This may be because of the flavonoids found in the leaves and seeds. However, more research should be carried out.
22. Dandelion
The leaves of dandelion have high levels of vitamin C and luteolin – two great antioxidants which help in preventing free radical damage to body cells. You can apply the paste of dandelion locally to your infected area to help eliminate impurities. Or, it could be taken orally to purify the blood. Using dandelion can also be effective in improving liver function as well as preventing internal toxicity.
23. White Birch
This may be one of lesser known home remedies for cellulitis. They could be used as healthy beverage because it supports in purifying the blood. An infusion of the buds and leaves from this plant could help combat bacterial infections. You can take 10 ml of the mixture between warm water and white birch. The tea, also known as a blood purifier, bark and twigs could be useful for sores and boils if taken internally and used as a daily wash.
24. Rhizome And Knee Holly Roots
Ginger or rhizome is considered a natural-inflammatory ingredient. It has antioxidant properties because of the potent antioxidants which are curcumin, zingerone, and gingerol. Just a decoction prepared with rhizome and knee holly roots can help the problem of cellulitis. This lotion could be applied topically to stimulate the tissues, support venous circulation and decrease symptoms of cellulites.
25. Pineapple
This is an easy-to-find option when it comes to home remedies for cellulitis and other skin conditions because it has an enzyme called bromelain. You can make use of pineapple in the form of supplements or add it in your diet plan.
26. Water
It sounds too simple when saying water can be one of home remedies for cellulitis. However, it is. Just plain water can provide you with a relief from symptoms of cellulitis. This prominent cure can defeat bacterial infections if taken the right way. By drinking a large amount of water, you will urine constantly and the bad bacteria will be flushed out as a result. That will help reduce the bad effects of cellulitis on your skin. In fact, this is also among the most amazingly useful home remedies for cellulitis on leg, face, and body we would like to introduce in the article today and want to encourage people to learn and make use as soon as possible for good!
27. Goldenseal
Being a native in North America, Goldenseal is used widely in the US as a natural cure for cellulitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a paste of this goldenseal to your infected skin to see good results.
Home Care Tips To Prevent Cellulitis
Cellulitis can strike out without any warning, yet remember that there are some ways to make sure that this infection will not impact your loved ones. Use these home care tips to prevent cellulitis:
- Wash your wounds appropriately. You should wash any wound, cut, insect or animal bite to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Wash it with clean water and a mild, safe soap which does not have triclosan, triclocarban and fragrance.
- Increase your immune function.
- Practice good hygiene
- Wear shoes and other footwear which fit and do not irritate your skin
- Trim your nails properly, particularly your toenails in order to prevent self-inflicted abrasions and cuts
- Wear protective equipment whilst working
- Moisturize your skin properly to prevent cracks
- Cover wounds with a clean bandage, change the bandage regularly till the wounds starts to scab.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cellulitis is a skin infection which cannot be treated along using home remedies and requires interventions of medicines like antibiotics prescribed by professionals and doctors. Nonetheless, this medical center also recommends that home remedies could be beneficial in preventing the development of this infection basing on the properties of the used substance.
However, for most of us, cellulitis could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle with good personal hygiene. But, sometimes, even after applying all of the tips and precautions, a person still contract this infection. Thus, do not depend on any single natural treatment or home remedy when it comes to cellulitis. This condition could become serious very fat and normal antibiotics are extremely important.
If you have any contributing ideas about this post of “Top 27 best home remedies for cellulitis”, feel free to leave your words below this entry.
Also, share your experience of treating cellulitis with us to help other people get rid of this skin infection quickly and effectively. We appreciate your contribution and will respond as soon as we could.
Jack Limoe
June 2, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Although I am a man, I suffer from cellulitis and it is really stubborn. I always want to remove this issue as soon as possible to gain my confidence back so that I can appear comfortably with any type of clothes I like. Thankfully I have read this article and it gives me really good solutions for my problem. I tried the tips revealed inside this writing and they really work well for my case. Thanks for sharing such wonderful knowledge!
Martinez Darcy
June 3, 2018 at 3:12 pm
Great things! My wife always worries about her cellulitis and now I will give her this article as a solution for this! I believe that my life will definitely love this post and make it her brand new close friend haha! Anyway, cellulitis is really ugly and stubborn so that I encourage women and men who has it to remove it naturally right away! Thanks for sharing the informative article with readers!