Acne, Pimples and Skin Disorders |
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Cellulitis, Bacterial Infection, Cellulitis Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin or soft tissue
occurs most commonly on the face, arms or legs and is characterised by red, hot swollen skin.
Cellulitis associated with furuncles, carbuncles, or abscesses is usually caused by S. aureus . In contrast, cellulitis that is diffuse or unassociated with a defined portal is most commonly caused by streptococcal species.
When there is a break in the skin, however, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing infection and inflammation. The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, irritated and painful.
Orbital cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the eye socket.
Cellulitis requires particularly close monitoring when it infects the eyelid and tissues surrounding the eye.
The symptoms of cellulitis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis. Ludwig's angina is the name given to cellulitis of the tissues of the floor of the mouth in the area around the submaxillary salivary gland.
To prevent cellulitis, avoid skin breaks by wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in risky work or sports.
A child with severe cellulitis may be treated in the hospital using intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
Cause of Cellulitis
Cellulitis may be caused by numerous organisms that are indigenous to the skin or to particular environmental niches.The most common infecting organisms are Streptococcus pyogenes (two thirds of cases) and Staphylococcus aureus (one third).
Symptoms of Cellulites
Cellulitis most often affects the legs. The first sign is usually a small injury or infection between the toes. The following are the most common symptoms of cellulitis.
Some cases of cellulitis are considered an emergency. Consult your child's physician immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Warm skin
- Bruising
- Blisters
- Fever
- Headache
Treatment for Cellulitis
Cellulitis Treatment is focused on control and prevention of complications. Avoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports. Also, clean any breaks in the skin carefully and watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection. Immediate treatment can help prevent the spread of cellulitis -
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
- Medical Treatment of cellulitis includes the following -
- Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics
- Warm, wet dressings on the infection site
- Surgical intervention
- If you have an extremity (arm or leg) that is affected, your physician may have you elevate the extremity and decrease the amount of activity
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