| Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the skin, caused by infection with staph, strep or other fairly common bacteria (see also cellulitis - streptococcal - Erysipelas is a type of cellulitis (skin infection) generally caused by group A treptococci)
Causes, incidence and risk factors of Cellulitis
The skin normally has many active bacteria's living on it, but healthy skin is an effective barrier which stops skin bacteria from entering and growing inside the body. However, when there's a break in the skin, bacteria can easily enter the body and grow there, causing a bacterial skin infection and skin inflammation. The infected skin area becomes red, hot, irritated and painful.
Cellulitis is most common on the lower legs, face and arms, but skin at other areas of the body may sometimes have a cellulitis infection. Look at this truly shocking
chronic cellulitis infection which started in the eyelids and spead to other area near the eye.
The disturbing photo to the right should really inpress upon you the importance of mantaining good health & wellness of your skin in particular.
Risk issues for cellulitis include these factors:
Cellulitis Symptoms
- Localized skin redness or inflammation, increasing in size as infection spreads
- Tight, stretched or glossy skin appearance
- Pain or tenderness of the area
- Skin lesion or rash (macule):
- Sudden onset
- Usually with sharp borders
- Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
- Warmth over the area of redness
- Fever
- Other signs of infection:
- Chills, shaking
- Warm skin, sweating
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches,
pains (myalgias)
- General ill feeling (malaise)
Additional symptoms that may be associated with cellulitis disease:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Joint
stiffness caused by joint tissue swelling
- Hair loss at the site of infection
Another cause of cellulitis skin infection are tattoo associated infections, defined as a skin infection consistent with staphylococcal infection (i.e. boils, folliculitis and abscess) occurring near or at location of a recent tattoo.d MRSA.
A secondary cause of tattoo related cellulitis skin infections is classified as a skin infection consistent with staph that occurrs in a person who had not received a recent tattoo but has been in close personal contact with a MRSA patient, which MRSA sufferer had received a recent tattoo.
Signs and tests
During a physical examination,
the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands
(lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis.
Cellulitis tests which may be performed:
Treatment
Cellulitis treatment may require
hospitalization if it is severe enough to warrant intravenous
antibiotics and close observation. At other times, treatment
with oral antibiotics and close out-patient follow-up is enough.
Treatment is focused on control of the infection and prevention
of complications.
Antibiotics are given to control
infection, and analgesics
may be needed to control pain.
Elevate the infected area, usually higher than the heart, to minimize swelling. Apply
warm, moist compresses to the infected site to fight infection by increasing
blood circulation to the tissues. Rest until the symptoms improve.
Expectations
Cure is possible with 7 to 10 days of treatment. Cellulitis may be more severe in people
with chronic diseases and people who are susceptible to infection
(immunosuppressed).
Complications
- Tissue death (gangrene)
- Sepsis,
generalized infection and shock
- Meningitis
(if cellulitis is on the face)
- Lymphangitis
(inflammation of the lymph vessels)
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider
if symptoms indicate that cellulitis may be present.
Call your health care provider
if you are being treated for cellulitis and new skin infection symptoms develop,
such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy,
blistering over the cellulitis, or extension of the red streaks.
Prevention
Avoid skin damage by wearing
appropriate protective equipment when participating in work
or sports. Also, clean any breaks in the skin carefully and
watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection.
Finally, maintain good overall health and control chronic
medical conditions. A healthy body can more easily deal with and
fight bacteria before they multiply and cause infection, while
a body that is run-down has less natural cellulitis infection protection. |