CELLULITIS

Cellulitis is most common on the face and lower legs, although skin on other areas of the body may be involved.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an acute, non-contagious inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, resulting from staphylococcus, streptococcus, or other bacterial infection (see also cellulitis - streptococcal).

The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing within the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing infection and tissue reaction to injury (inflammation). The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, and painful.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for cellulitis include:

  • Animal bite, insect bites and stings
  • Human bite
  • Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds)
  • History of peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or ischemic ulcers
  • Recent cardiovascular, pulmonary (lung), dental, or other procedures
  • Use of immunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications.

What are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?

  • Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
  • Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
  • Pain or tenderness of the area
  • Skin lesion/rash (macule)
  • Sudden onset
  • Usually with sharp borders
  • Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
  • Boils, blisters, pustules, or similar lesions
  • Thin red line (along a vein) from the cellulitis toward the heart (lymphangitis)
  • Warmth over the area of redness
  • Fever

How is Cellulitis Diagnosed?

A physical examination reveals localized swelling (edema). Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis.

A CBC will show an elevated WBC, and indicates a bacterial infection.
A blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected.

How is Cellulitis Treated?

Cellulitis treatment may require hospitalization if it is severe enough to warrant intravenous antibiotics and close observation. At other times, oral antibiotics and close outpatient follow-up suffice. 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 site to aid the body in fighting infection by increasing blood supply to the tissues. Rest until symptoms improve.

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