ABSTRACT – Cellulitis is a common but serious bacterial skin infection which affects to deeper layers of skin. It...
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common but serious bacterial skin infection which affects to deeper layers of skin. It can affect any body part but usually appears on lower legs. It is warm to touch, swollen, painful and the appearance is red in color. The bacteria can enter through cracks or wounds of the skin and can also spread to bones, muscles and heart. It does not contagious and doesn’t get transmitted from a person to another person. Immediate treatment is required otherwise it can also become life-threatening.
CAUSES –
Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria through cuts, wound, cracks or breaks in the skin.
Animal/ insect bites
Bacteria can also enter through eczema, athlete’s foot or from dry, flaky, swollen skin area.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
Red appearance on the skin
Swelling or inflammation
Warm to touch
Painful
Blisters and spots
Fever
Chills and shivering
DIAGNOSIS –
Physical examination
Blood test
Swabbing on wound or from affected area for sample collection
TREATMENT –
Oral Antibiotics
Hospitalization if it doesn’t get cured by antibiotics
Antibiotics through vein (saline)
PREVENTIONS –
Health maintenance and hygiene
Cuts, wounds should be kept clean and treated immediately
Cover wounds with bandage
Don’t scratch the damaged skin as it may increase the infection
Clean and trimmed fingernails
Moisturize the skin regularly
Take extra care to prevent skin injury (especially in the case of diabetics)
Keep a check on skin infections and seek medical care
Reduce weight if obese
RISK FACTORS –
Injury
Skin conditions like eczema, edema, athlete’s foot, blisters, breaks and cracks etc.
Low immunity
Problem in blood circulation
History of cellulitis
Diabetes
Lymphedema
Obesity
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
It has been observed mostly in middle and old aged people and increases more during warm weather.
Estimation shows that 200 cases per 1, 00,000 people are getting affected annually.
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