HOUSTON, Texas – After spending three days in the hospital, Jim “Mattress Mack” McInvale returns to work.
When news broke that Mattress Mack, the man many deem a hero for his ability to give back and step up in time of need, many Houstonians were worried.
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McInvale said before he was admitted to the hospital, his leg started bothering him while he was driving to work so he drove to the hospital instead.
When he got to St. Luke’s, Mack said doctors told him he had a rash on his leg due to cellulitis.
So, what exactly is cellulitis?
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes the infected skin to become swollen, and inflamed and is usually painful and warm to the touch, according to the Mayo Clinic.
If left untreated, cellulitis can spread into the lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life-threatening. It usually affects the lower legs, but can also occur on the face, arms and other areas.
What are the symptoms of cellulitis and what causes it?
- Irritated area of skin that tends to expand
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Fever
- Chills
- Spots
- Blisters
- Skin dimpling
Cellulitis is caused when bacteria, usually streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in the skin.
Is cellulitis contagious?
No. According to WebMD, it does not pass from one person to another. It can only spread if a person has an open wound that directly touches another person’s open wound.
How can cellulitis be treated?
Cellulitis can be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotics you need will depend on the type of bacteria that caused the infection, according to WebMD.