 |
 |
|
|
|
|
What is Cellulitis ?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection
that affects the skin. It occurs as an inflammation in the
connective tissues beneath the layer of skin and is a
potentially dangerous condition. It appears as a swollen, red
area of skin that feels warm and painful, and may spread
rapidly.
Cellulitis usually occurs on a part of the skin that is broken
or has an abrasion due to a trauma or injury. It can develop
rapidly within twenty-four hours or can take days to develop. In
most cases, medical treatment using antibiotic therapy can clear
cellulitis within 10 days. However, it can take months to cure
in more serious cases, and can result in severe debility or even
death if left untreated. The presence of cellulitis could mean a
deeper, more serious infection of the inner layers of skin. The
bacteria can spread rapidly once it enters the skin layers to
the lymph nodes and the bloodstream and spread throughout your
body. In rare cases, the infection can also spread to the deep
layer of tissue called the fascial lining.
Types of Cellulitis
Periorbital cellulitis is an infection of the eye socket and the
soft tissues around the eye. It is usually caused by an
infection spreading from the membrane covering the outer part of
the eye (conjunctivitis or pink eye) or from the nose and throat
(a bacterial infection of the nose or the sinuses). This can
lead to red, swollen eyes, can be quite painful and is a serious
infection. This kind of cellulitis is more common among children
than adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Erysipelas is an acute infection of
the most superficial layers of the skin usually caused by the
streptococcus bacteria. This disease most frequently affects
infants, young children, and the elderly. Pink-to-red lesions
that spread rapidly and are warm to the touch appear on the
face, arms and legs.
Clostridial cellulitis is a disease that is usually caused by
clostridium perfringens and is characterized by the accumulation
of gas along the soft tissues. The gas creates bubbles under the
skin and sometimes in the blisters themselves causing the skin
to crack when pressed. Initially the infected area is painful,
but as the skin dies, the nerves stop working and the area loses
sensation. Synergistic necrotizing cellulitis is a rapidly
progressive infection of subcutaneous tissues and muscles.
|
|
Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly
known as "flesh-eating bacteria" and is a rare infection of the
deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues (fascia).
Mortality is nearly 100 percent in this condition if not
properly treated. Correct diagnosis and early treatment of this
disease is therefore of extreme importance.
Causes
Cellulitis is caused by different types of bacteria entering by
way of a break in the skin. Group A streptococcus and
staphylococcus are the most common of these bacteria that are
part of the normal flora of the skin that cause no actual
infection until the skin is broken.
Predisposing conditions for
cellulitis include
insect bite
animal bite
skin rash
recent surgery
athletes foot
dry skin
eczema
burns & boils
weakened immune systems
Cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body but the most common
places are the legs especially near the shins and ankles.
Sometimes cellulitis develops even when there is no apparent
breaking of the skin. This is because the bacteria can enter
through microscopic openings in the skin.
Risk factors
Following are some of the factors that can place you at greater
risk of developing cellulitis:
Age As you get older, your bodily functions slow down and your
circulatory system becomes less effective in delivering blood
and the infection-fighting white blood cells to all areas of
your body. This can cause cellulitis in the weakened areas.
Weak immune system Illnesses, such as AIDs and leukemia that
result in a weakening of your immune system, leave you more
susceptible to infections such as cellulitis.
Immune-suppressing drugs Intake of certain drugs like
prednisone or cyclosporine can leave you more susceptible to
infections.
Diabetes diabetes not only increases your blood sugar level
but also impairs your immune system and increases your risk of
infection. Diabetes causes impairment of blood circulation in
legs leading to foot ulcers that commonly become infected.
Chickenpox and shingles These viral diseases result in
blisters which break providing a gap in the skin which bacteria
can enter through.
Lymphedema this condition causes chronic swelling of your arms
or legs, and swollen tissue may crack leaving your skin
vulnerable to bacterial infection.
Athletes Foot Recurrent fungal infection of your feet or toes
can cause cracks in your skin and increase your risk of
bacterial infection.
|
|
Diseases that affect blood
circulation in the legs and feet, such as chronic venous
insufficiency and varicose veins are also risk factors for
cellulitis. Cellulitis is also prevalent amongst dense
populations (military quarters) sharing hygiene facilities and
common living quarters.
Symptoms
The affected skin may become red, inflamed, painful and tender
to the touch. It is usually accompanied by fever, chills and a
general feeling of ill-health.
Diagnosis
It is important to identify and treat cellulitis early because
it is a serious infection that spreads rapidly throughout your
body. A doctor will check the appearance of your skin; suggest
blood tests or a wound culture to rule out a blood clot or other
similar conditions.
|
|
|
|
Treatment
Since it is a bacterial infection, the usual course of the treatment
is oral antibiotics. Some bacteria are resistant to some
antibiotics, so a change in antibiotic may be needed if the
infection does not improve with the first antibiotic. Usually
antibiotics are prescribed for 10 days and if the condition does not
clear up or show signs of improvement, the drug may be changed. If
the infection proves resistant to oral drugs, intravenous (IV)
antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention
To prevent cellulitis and other infections, take the following
precautions if you have a skin wound:
Wash your wound daily with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment on the wound to prevent
infection.
Apply bandage to your wound to keep it covered and safe from
infections.
Change bandages often. Do not let it become wet or soggy.
Watch for signs of infection. Redness, pain and drainage are cause
for concern infection and need immediate medical evaluation.
In addition, follow good skin-care routine:
Moisturize your skin regularly. Lubricating your skin helps prevent
cracking and peeling.
Trim your fingernails and toenails carefully. Do not injure the
surrounding skin.
Protect your hands and feet with appropriate footwear and gloves.
Promptly treat any superficial skin infections such as athlete's
foot.
Wear protective equipment during certain activities such as
gardening.
|
|
Article Contributed By: Sukanaya Banerjee
|
|
|
|
|
