| Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes | | | | of developing cellulites. Chickenpox and shingles cause |
| redness, warmth and swelling in the skin. It can also | | | | broken blisters on the skin that can also act as |
| cause fever and chills in the body. It is caused by a | | | | potential entry points for bacteria. |
| break in the skin due to an abrasion, a cut or a skin | | | | Screening and Diagnosis |
| ulcer. Cellulitis may also affect tissues that are | | | | The doctor can diagnose the disease through a |
| underlying the skin and can spread to bloodstream | | | | physical examination of the swollen areas and glands. |
| and lymph nodes. It is not a contagious disease as it | | | | The red infected area on the skin is marked by a |
| infects the inner layers of the skin whilst infection is | | | | pen and any extension of its borders is suspected as |
| covered by the top layer of the skin. | | | | cellulitis. The disease is confirmed through blood tests, |
| Signs and symptoms | | | | wound cultures and other tests. An increase in white |
| The common symptoms of cellulitis are skin lesion, | | | | blood cell count can also indicate a bacterial infection. |
| shaking, sweating, fatigue and muscle aches. Some | | | | Treatment |
| additional symptoms of the disease are nausea and | | | | Cellulitis treatment includes the taking of oral |
| vomiting, stiffness in joints and loss of hair at the site | | | | antibiotics, and a close outpatient monitoring of the |
| of infection. The skin appears tight and warmth | | | | patient. Antibiotics can control the infection and |
| appears on the red infected area. | | | | analgesics will control the pain. The infected area |
| Causes | | | | should be elevated so as to minimize swelling. In |
| Cellulitis is caused by two types of bacteria that | | | | severe cases, the patient is hospitalized and given |
| include streptococcus and staphylococcus. The | | | | intravenous antibiotics as well as close observation. |
| bacteria enter the body via any break in the skin and | | | | The medication should be taken as directed by the |
| can causes infection and inflammation in the body. | | | | doctor and the entire course of medication should be |
| Some disrupted areas of skin include recent surgery | | | | completed even if the patient starts feeling better. |
| areas, cuts, puncture wounds or ulcers. The disease | | | | Prevention |
| can even be transmitted through insect and spider | | | | The disease can be prevented from happening by |
| bites. The disease is most common on the legs, | | | | taking some preventive measures when any wounds |
| especially near the shins and ankles. | | | | appear on the body. Wash the wound with soap and |
| Risk Factors for Cellulitis | | | | water daily, and apply an antibiotic cream and |
| Some factors that can increase the risk of | | | | ointment. By covering the wound with a bandage, |
| developing cellulitis is if the person has a history of | | | | bacteria can be prevented from entering. |
| peripheral vascular disease and/or diabetes. As these | | | | Daily Skin Care |
| diseases decrease the blood circulation in the lower | | | | Always moisturize the skin so as to prevent cracking |
| extremities and can cause chronic ulcers in the feet, | | | | and peeling. Hands and feet can be protected by |
| these can act as an entry point for bacterial infection. | | | | wearing footwear and gloves. |
| The cracks on the skin between the toes can also | | | | Cellulitis is an acute inflammation so always treat any |
| increase the probability of this disease in the same | | | | superficial skin infections quickly which will avoid any |
| area. The use of immunosuppressive and | | | | distress. |
| corticosteroid medications can also increase the risk | | | | The article is written by Nammy Mike. |