Cellulitis....skin infection...

Definition

Cellulitis is anacute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus or other bacteria (see also Erysipelas).

Causes

Cellulitis usually follows a break in the skin, such as a fissure, cut, burns , laceration, insect bite, puncture wound or sites of intravenous catheter insertion. Cellulitis occurs when one or more types of bacteria enter through a crack or break in your skin. The two most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus are the most common of these bacteria, which are part of the normal flora of the skin but cause no actual infection until the skin is broken.

Symptoms

« Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
« Pain or tenderness of the area
« Skin lesion or rash (macule)
« Warmth over the area of redness
«Fever is common
« Other signs of infection:
o Chills, shaking
o Fatigue
o Muscle aches, pains (myalgias)
o General ill feeling (malaise)
o Nausea and vomiting
o Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint
o Hair loss at the site of infection

Diagnosis

• A raised white blood cell count is a frequent finding, along with an increased body temperature
• A blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected.
• Needle aspiration of the advancing edge of cellulitis may be stained with Gram stain and cultured.
• Ultrasonography may be helpful in evaluating suppuration at the site and as an aid in guiding needle aspiration.

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 outpatient 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.

Prognosis

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)
• Thrombophlebitis may develop, particularly in the lower extremities.
  

Prevention

Good hygiene and good wound care lower the risk of cellulitis. Any wounds should be cleaned and dressed appropriately. Changing bandages daily or when they become wet or dirty will reduce the risk of contracting cellulitis. Finally, maintain good general health and control chronic medical conditions. A body that is healthy can more easily fight bacteria before they multiply and cause infection, while a body that is run down has less protection against infection.