this topic describes indetail regarding the cellulitis, its causes and the management

1. Cellulitis
By
Mr. M. Shivananda Reddy

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).

6. Diagnosis
• History collection
• Physical examination
• CBC
• Culture and sensitivity

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)