Tom's Blog on Life

Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus (‘staph’) are the most common bacteria involved. These bacteria normally live on your skin without causing any harm, but if your skin is broken they can infect your tissues and cause cellulitis. The infection usually happens when bacteria enter your skin through an ulcer, cut, scratch or insect bite. It can also happen if you already have a skin problem like eczema, psoriasis, scabies or acne, or after surgery. However, it may happen without any visible damage to your skin.

A common cause of cellulitis is scratching your skin with dirty fingernails that carry bacteria.

You’re more likely to get cellulitis if you have a skin condition that makes you itchy and are more likely to scratch. You’re also more likely to get cellulitis if you:
smoke
live with obesity
have diabetes
have poor circulation or a weakened immune system
have swelling in an arm or leg, such as with lymphoedema

It often affects your lower leg but can occur anywhere on your body.

You may have cellulitis if you have an area of skin that is warm, red, tender and very painful.

If your infection is severe, you may also have symptoms like fever and nausea.

If you think you or someone in your care has cellulitis, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.

How is cellulitis treated?
Cellulitis is usually treated with:
antibiotics
rest
elevating or raising the affected part of your body, if possible

(A client told me that the most effective antibiotic by far is the original penicillin, one not easily prescribed by doctors.)

While cellulitis is not generally contagious, it’s important to always wash your hands before and after touching the infected area.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cellulitis

• Fiber byproducts — short-chain fatty acids — physically attach to DNA regions, influencing how genes are turned on or off through epigenetic regulation
• A comprehensive review of 11 meta-analyses found that higher fiber consumption correlates with reduced risk of several cancers, including gastric, esophageal, ovarian and endometrial tumors
• Fiber helps regulate hormone pathways and curbs inflammation, with studies showing it may reduce estrogen reabsorption, lowering the risk of hormone-related cancers like breast cancer
• Research indicates modern diets often lack adequate fiber, leading to chronic metabolic strain and disrupted digestive processes, making fiber optimization an important public health strategy
• People with compromised gut health should introduce fiber gradually, starting with easily digestible carbohydrates like white rice and fruit juices before progressing to more fibrous foods. In severe cases, start with dextrose water

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/02/27/fiber-consumption-and-epigenetic-changes-anticancer-effects.aspx

• Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid produced by gut bacteria when they ferment fiber, serving as the primary energy source for colon cells and maintaining gut barrier strength
• Healthy butyrate levels support weight management, blood sugar control and brain health, with studies linking butyrate-producing bacteria to reduced Alzheimer’s risk and lower cancer risk
• A diverse diet rich in various fiber sources, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, promotes butyrate production, but increases should be gradual if your gut health is compromised
• The gut barrier weakens with insufficient butyrate, allowing undigested food, bacteria and toxins to enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and widespread health problems
• Gradually increasing fiber intake and reducing mitochondrial toxins for increased cellular energy supports gut health and beneficial gut microbes, enhancing butyrate production and overall health

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2025/02/23/understanding-butyrate.aspx