Description

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It is mainly caused by the invasion of germs into the skin through a cut, crack, or wound. Examples of entry points for bacteria are a recent surgical site, a cut, a puncture wound, a sore, and skin affected by athlete's foot or dermatitis. High-risk groups for cellulitis complications are - * People with Diabetes * People with poor blood circulation * Individuals with a weakened Immune system * Older adults * People with lymphedema * People with certain skin conditions like athlete’s foot, eczema, psoriasis, or injuries * Obesity * History of cellulitis Symptoms of cellulitis : Cellulitis is a common condition that can occur anywhere on the body, but it often affects the lower leg and typically involves only one side of the body. In rare cases, cellulitis can spread through the bloodstream and cause more serious problems, such as a heart infection or a blood infection. Cellulitis symptoms include: # Swelling # Warmth # Pain # Fever # Chills # Spots on the skin # Blisters How is cellulitis diagnosed? Cellulitis is most often a clinical diagnosis, readily identified in many people by history and physical examination alone, with rapidly spreading areas of cutaneous swelling, redness, and heat, occasionally associated with inflammation of regional lymph nodes. You might need to have blood tests or other tests to help rule out other conditions. When to see a doctor It's important to get treated in the early stage of cellulitis because the condition can spread rapidly throughout the body. See a healthcare professional within 24 hours if you have a swollen rash or a rash that's growing with or without fever. Untreated cellulitis might lead to serious conditions such as bacteraemia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, toxic shock syndrome, or sepsis. Necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It's an extreme emergency. How is cellulitis treated? Cellulitis treatment involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs orally or intravenously for 5 to 10 days. You may be given an Antibacterial or anti-inflammatory ointment for application locally. In most cases, a course of antibiotics will clear up the infection and subside the cellulitis. However, in some cases, there is formation of an abscess post cellulitis, which requires incision and drainage of the abscess under suitable anaesthesia, followed by cleaning and dressings. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult Dr. Brijendra Singh at Brij Laser And Laparoscopy Centre.