2. Cellulitis:
⢠An acute spreading bacterial infection below the
surface of the skin characterized by redness
(erythema), warmth, swelling, and pain.
⢠Cellulitis occurs when an entry point through
normal skin barriers allows bacteria to enter
and release their toxins in the subcutaneous
tissues.
3. Etiology
⢠Break in the skin from an abrasion, a cut, or a
skin ulcer.
⢠Local trauma, such as an animal bite.
⢠Bacteremic spread of infection - bacteria arriving
from a distant source via the bloodstream.
Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci are usual
causative agents.
4. Pathophysiology
⢠Break in the skin, such as a fissure, cut, laceration,
insect bite, or puncture wound causes entry of
bacteria into the subcutaneous tissue.
⢠Deep inflammation of subcutaneous tissue from
enzymes produced by bacteria.
5. Signs And Symptoms
⢠Fever
⢠Chills
⢠Erythema
⢠Swelling
⢠Local tenderness and pain
⢠Malaise.
⢠Regional lymphnodes may also be tender and
enlarged(lymphadenopathy).
7. Management
⢠Mild cases of cellulitis can be treated on an
outpatient basis with oral antibiotic therapy with
Dicloxacillin, Amoxicillin, or Cephalexin
⢠If the cellulitis is severe, the patient is hospitalized
and treated with intravenous antibiotics for at least
7 to 14 days.
⢠Immobilize the part and elevate the extremity above
the level of heart
⢠Provide moist heat to promote wound healing
8. Complications:
⢠Blood infection (septicaemia)
⢠Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
⢠Inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis)
⢠Inflammation of the heart (endocarditis)
⢠Meningitis
⢠Shock
⢠Tissue death (gangrene)