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Cellulitis facts Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.

Staphylococcus andStreptococcus are the types of bacteria that are usually responsible for cellulitis, although many types of bacteria can cause the condition. Sometimes cellulitis appears in areas where the skin has broken open, such as the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds.

Cellulitis is not contagious. Cellulitis is treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.

What is cellulitis? Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Unlike impetigo, which is a very superficial skin infection, cellulitis is an infection that also involves the skin's deeper layers: the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria responsible for cellulitis areStreptococcus and Staphylococcus("staph"), the same bacteria that can cause impetigo. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) can also cause cellulitis. Sometimes, other bacteria (for example, Hemophilus influenzae,Pneumococcus, and Clostridium species) may cause cellulitis as well. Cellulitis is fairly common and affects people of all races and ages. Men and women appear to be equally affected. Although cellulitis can occur in people of any age, it is most common in middle-aged and elderly people. What are cellulitis symptoms and signs? Cellulitis usually begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling, and redness that spreads to adjacent skin. As this red area begins to enlarge, the affected person may develop a fever, sometimes with chills andsweats, tenderness, and swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands") near the area of infected skin. Where does cellulitis occur? Cellulitis may occur anywhere on the body, but the lower leg is the most common site of the infection (particularly in the area of the tibia or shinbone and in the foot; see the illustration below), followed by the arm, and then the head and neck areas. In special circumstances, such as following surgery or trauma wounds, cellulitis can develop in the abdomen or chest areas.

People with morbid obesity can also develop cellulitis in the abdominal skin. Special types of cellulitis are sometimes designated by the location of the infection. Examples include periorbital (around the eye socket) cellulitis, buccal (cheek) cellulitis, facial cellulitis, and perianal cellulitis. What does cellulitis look like? The signs of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the involved tissues. Any skin wound or ulcer that exhibits these signs may be developing cellulitis. Other forms of noninfected inflammation may mimic cellulitis. People with poor leg circulation, for instance, often develop scaly redness on the shins and ankles; this is called "stasis dermatitis" and is often mistaken for the bacterial infection of cellulitis.

What does cellulitis look like?

Next: What are cellulitis risk factors?


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Cellulitis Pathophysiology And Remedies For The Skin Introduction There are a few skin infections and cellulitis is one amongst them. It is caused by some of the bacteria and various symptoms are there for persons, who are affected by Cellulitis. Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes are some of the important bacteria that create cellulitis skin disease. Cellulitis Pathophysiology is well known term even for the common persons.

Causes There are other reasons also for the cellulitis, such as animal bites, insect bites and due to cuts and wounds. When the bacteria enter into the opening of the skin, slowly they start to affect the area of the body by invading the inner layer of the skin and produce enzymes that destroy the cells in that particular area of the body. About Symptoms There are some symptoms for cellulitis, such as, redness, itchiness, swelling and increase in the body temperature. Of course, only in some cases, the rise in body temperature is realized by the sufferers of cellulites. But, in rare cases, functional movement is also affected and the persons feel very tired, since they lose their resistance power to fight against the disease. Cellulitis Pathophysiology is the skin problem and generally, various procedures are performed to the patients for providing relief to them. Destabilized immune system is the attraction for the cellulitis to affect the aged persons. People should be very careful if they have any cuts in their body or wound and special protection should be given, especially in that area. There should be no skin openings for the bacteria to enter into the body. It would pave the way for the bacteria even to develop other parts of the body, when it is not diagnosed early. It would be better for the patients to visit the specialist, instead of visiting the general physicians. In the United States, there are many specialized physicians, who are providing specializedtreatment for all

the skin problems. Since early diagnosing is highly essential to start the medical procedures, only experts would be able to handle the patients, who are suffering from cellulitis. Dermatology is the section, which deals with all skin problems and the physicians, who have specialized in the subject are known as dermatologists. They are the experts for providing special treatments to cellulitis. When the cellulitis attacks the person, they should take immediate medical treatment and if they are careless with this specific disease, the entire body would be completely dominated by the disease. Blood count tests are also performed, since there is a possibility of losing life, because of the cellulitis.

Conclusion of Article People should know how to prevent Cellulitis Pathophysiology and there are some tips for this purpose. If there is any wound or cut in the body, it should be cleaned with necessary solution and should be protected from external dust and bacteria. Most important fact is that they should not have self treatment, without consultation with the expert, since it would fetch more complications for them. People should avoid the habit of over-thecounter purchase of medicines without proper prescriptions of physicians.

The pathophysiology of cellulitis begins when bacteria enters the skin. This bacteria causes an infection, which may cause skin symptoms such as redness and swelling around the site of the infection. If the bacteria gets into the bloodstream or into the deeper layers of the skin, complications can occur. Typically, cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Several types of bacteria can set the pathophysiology of cellulitis into motion, the most common being streptococcus and staphylococcus. Areas where the skin is dry and flaking, broken, or wounded are the most likely sites for bacteria to enter the body. Insect bites may also transmit bacteria that can cause a skin infection. The pathophysiology of cellulitis commonly starts out affecting the lower leg. The infected skin may be red, swollen, and painful to the touch. The red rash

area may get worse or spread over time. A fever may accompany these symptoms. It is important to see a doctor early, before the cellulitis infection worsens and affects a larger area. Any condition that causes chronic skin disruption, such as eczema, can increase the likelihood of a skin infection. Open wounds can leave a person vulnerable to bacteria entering the skin, as can intravenous drug use, because it constantly ruptures the skin. The pathophysiology ofcellulitis can be made more severe by a weakened immune system caused by conditions such as diabetes or HIV. AdChoices

Post navigation Previous Next Leg Cellulitis Posted on May 17, 2012 Cellulitis Infection of The Legs Cellulitis of the legs is defined as an skin infection on the leg which is manifested by redness,swelling, pain and warmth.The lymph nodes in the body may also become swollen and tender. People of all ages can be infected by cellulitis in lower leg. Except on the lower leg, infections can occur anywhere on the human organic structure (systematic symptoms). Even so, this infection mostly attacks legs, hands and feet. Previously named types of this medical condition are usually known as cellulitis of extremities. Details about cellulitis foot infection find on new page here. Symptoms and Signs Symptoms and signs of cellulitis in lower leg may take place at the location of the infected region of patients skin (local symptoms), or they can take place along several parts of the human organic structure (known as systematic symptoms).

Cellulitis in Lower Leg Bacterial Causes Cellulitis in lower leg is an disease induced by bacteria. Streptococcus group A bacteria is the most common cause of infections in lower leg in otherwise healthy adults. This bacteria is usually found on the skin and in the throat . Some other cause of cellulitis in lower leg in adults is a bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus , usually found on human skin and lining of mouth and nose (also known as mucosa). The most common cause of lower leg cellulitis in children under 3 years old is Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib). This bacteria can cause serious infection. Specific and General Risk Factors

Medical discoveries in the area of cellulitis was revealed that individuals with certain risk factors have a greater tendency to cellulitis in lower leg than others.General risk factors including following:Vein

troubles; Problems with the lymphatic system; Breaks in the skin; Obesity; Swelling of the leg. Specific risk factors for cellulitis in lower leg include: Skin ulcer (diabetic ulcer); Surgical wounds; Radiation therapy; Eczema, Psoriasis or otherskin conditions that may get a break in the skin; A previous episode of cellulitis; Coronary arthery bypass surgery; IV antibiotics use; Chemotheraphy; Pregnancy; Certain other conditions including HIVor AIDS, Diabetes, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Psoriasis, Lupus, Dyshidrosis and Heart failure. Risk factors for this condition in lower leg are not a direct cause of these type of cellulitis, but risk factors still increase the chances of disease development. Individuals who believe that they may be at risk for cellulitis in lower legshould talk about with their medical practitioner. Diagnosing Doctors usually diagnose cellulitis in lower leg by analyzing the patients medical history,performing a physical examination and ordering blood test. Looking at the infected area of skin is most reliable way of diagnosing this type of infection in lower leg. Affected area probably will be: swollen, red, warm and painful to touch. Medical adviser will also look for breaks in the skin (scrapes, cuts, bruises, ulcers, skin conditions) where bacteria could be entered into patients body. Medical practitioner will order an blood test in case if there is any indication of cellulitis infection.

Lower Leg Cellulitis Treatment

The aim of cellulitis in lower leg treatment is treatment the affected skin area and any underlying shapes that may increase the likeliness of a return of this type of skin and soft tissue infection. Effective treatment involves healing process include antibiotics and recurrence prevention. Antibiotics are usual first line of treatment, so if you have any allergic reaction on penicillin you must tell your medical adviser. During healing period for cellulitis in lower leg you should keep the infected leg elevated and use cold compress to help reduce pain. Medical research has shown that 50% of individuals who receive treatment experience a recurrence (return) of cellulitis in lower leg. In this case medical adviser may prescribe antibiotics drugs for a longer period of time. ANA Cellulitis Anatomy To better understand cellulitis, it helps to understand the anatomy of the skin. The skin contains three main layers: Epidermis: o The superficial layer that makes up the surface of the skin o It is composed of skin cells and can be divided into 5 layers based on cell type. o The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks. o The thickness of the epidermis varies, according to location: it is very thick over the soles of the feet, and very thin over the ears. Dermis: o Lies beneath the epidermis o Also varies in thickness depending on the location of the skin. It is .3 mm on the eyelid and 3.0 mm on the back. o The dermis is composed of 2 layers that contain a connective tissue called collagen o The dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, and hair follicles.

The number of structures in the dermis varies, according to

location. The dermis under the arms contains more sweat glands and hair follicles than the dermis on the back. Subcutaneous layer: o Mainly fat and connective tissue. o Contains blood vessels and nerves.
o

The Anatomy Of Cellulitis Cellulitis is the infection of the skin and soft tissues typified by swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the affected areas. The severity of the infection depends on its opportunity to spread and affect other parts of the skin or body. Its infectious nature alone involves complex processes that can become deadly. In fact, cellulitis can affect virtually any part of the body, which is why there are several types of cellulitis, including facial, breast, leg, perianal, periorbital, and orbital cellulitis. This article will discuss cellulitis pathophysiology. Risk Factors Linked To The Onset Of Cellulitis Cellulitis is often triggered by broken skin, such as with lacerations, cuts, puncture wounds, fissures, and animal/insect bites. Cellulitis can also be more prevalent among individuals who have lymphatic obstruction, toe web intertrigo, tinea pedis, pressure ulcers, venous insufficiency, obesity, impaired immune systems, and diabetes. What Happens Under The Microscope When the infectious bacterium invades a vulnerable area (such as an open wound), it overcomes the defensive cells in our body, which includes mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils. These defecnsive cells often act to hold inflammation in just one area. When infection further progresses cellular debris builds up, and infectious bacteria soon engulfs tissue surrounding and located at the affected area. Cellulitis pathophysiology: Complications If the affected area is left untreated, complication is a high possibility. When the skin turns red or a rash occurs, this may indicate a deeper and more severe infection. In this case, infection has most likely reached the inner layers of the skin. When the infectious bacteria are able to reach below the skin, they can spread faster. In this case, bacteria are able to get into the lymph nodes, reach the bloodstream and extend all throughout the body. The infection can spread so easily that if left untreated, bacteria can spread to the deep layer of tissue, or fascial lining. This is called a deep-layer

infection. This type of infection is characterized by the flesh-eating strep or necrotizing fasciitis. The prevalence of this condition is quite rare, but individuals who do not treat severe cellulitis definitely have a higher risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis. Streptoccoccus pyogenes is responsible for the flesh-eating strep and actually belongs to the group A streptococcus type of bacteria that causes cellulitis. The flesh-eating bacteria spreads in the deeper skin layer, as that area of the body is softer. Bacteria initially break through the protective skin layer. These organisms contain enzymes that digest protein and therefore enable them to eat their way through the fascia. Soon the bacteria is able to reach muscles and tendons. The fascia becomes liquefied with the enzymes and provide bacteria with the perfect condition to thrive and proliferate at a faster rate. Extremely serious cases like this requires emergency treatment, which may involve surgical procedures, IV antibiotics, oral antibiotics, supportive therapy, or a combination of these. Cellilitis pathophysiology may vary among the different types of celliulitis. For instance, the signs and symptoms surrounding orbital cellulitis (infection of the eye) can be a manifestation of other health conditions such as sinus problems. The most typical paths of infection in this case come from the sinuses or teeth and/or injury in those areas. Proper diagnosis will often determine any underlying cause of cellulitis or the severity of the infection.

Cellulitis Email this page to a friendShare on facebookShare on twitterBookmark & SharePrinter-friendly version Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. See also:

Orbital cellulitis Periorbital cellulitis

Causes Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis. Normal skin has many types of bacteria living on it. When there is a break in the skin, these bacteria can cause a skin infection. Skin in the infected area will become red, hot, irritated, and painful.

Risk factors for cellulitis include:


Cracks or peeling skin between the toes History of peripheral vascular disease Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds) Insect bites and stings, animal bites, or human bites Ulcers from certain diseases, including diabetes and vascular disease Use of corticosteroid medications or medications that suppress the immune system Wound from a recent surgery

Symptoms Symptoms of cellulitis include:


Fever Pain or tenderness in the affected area Skin redness or inflammation that gets bigger as the infection spreads Skin sore or rash that starts suddenly, and grows quickly in the first 24 hours Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin Warm skin in the the area of redness

Signs of infection:

Chills or shaking Fatigue General ill feeling Muscle aches and pains Warm skin Sweating

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:


Hair loss at the site of infection Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint Nausea and vomiting

Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This may reveal:

Redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin Possible drainage, if there is an infection Swollen glands (lymph nodes) near the affected area

Your health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness goes past the marked border over the next several days. Tests that may be done:

Blood culture Complete blood count (CBC) Culture of any fluid or material inside the affected area

Treatment Most of the time, treatment involves antibiotics taken by mouth and close follow-up by your doctor. You may be given painkillers. You should raise the infected area higher than your heart to reduce swelling. Rest until your symptoms improve. You may need to stay in a hospital if:

You are very sick (for example, you have a very high temperature, blood pressure problems, or nausea and vomiting that does not go away) You have been on antibiotics and the infection is getting worse Your immune system is not working well (due to cancer, HIV) You have an infection around your eyes You require antibiotics through a vein (IV)

Outlook (Prognosis) Cellulitis usually goes away with 7 - 10 days of antibiotics. Longer treatment may be needed if cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if you have a chronic diseases or your immune system is not working properly. People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps coming back. The cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allows the bacteria entry to the skin. Possible Complications

Blood infection (sepsis) Bone infection (osteomyelitis) Inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis) Inflammation of the heart (endocarditis) Meningitis Shock Tissue death (gangrene)

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your health care provider if:

You have symptoms of cellulitis You are being treated for cellulitis and you develop new symptoms, such as persistent fever, drowsiness,lethargy, blistering over the cellulitis, or red streaks that spread

Seek medical attention immediately if the cellulitis is on your face. Prevention Protect your skin by:

Keeping your skin moist with lotions or ointments to prevent cracking Wearing shoes that fit well and provide enough room for your feet Learning how to trim your nails to avoid harming the skin around them Wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports

Whenever you have a break in the skin:


Clean the break carefully with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment every day. Cover with a bandage and change it every day until a scab forms. Watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection.

Alternative Names Skin infection - bacterial Cellulitis Overview Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath the skin. It occurs when bacteria invade broken or normal skin and start to spread under the skin and into the soft tissues. This results in infection and inflammation. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to the bacteria. Inflammation may cause swelling, redness, pain, and/or warmth. People at risk for developing cellulitis include those with trauma to the skin or other medical problems such as the following:

Diabetes

Circulatory problems such as inadequate blood flow to the limbs, poor venous or lymphatic drainage, such as after surgical vein harvesting, or varicose veins
o

Liver disease such as chronichepatitis or cirrhosis

Skin disorders such as eczema,psoriasis, infectious diseases that cause skin lesions such aschickenpox, athlete's foot, or severe acne
o

Treatment Overview The intent of cellulitis treatment is to decrease the severity of the infection, speed up recovery, relieve pain and other symptoms, heal the skin, and prevent the infection from coming back. Antibiotics are usually used to treat cellulitis. If the infection is limited to a small area, has not spread to the bloodstream or lymph system, and you don't have any other medical problems, antibiotics you take by mouth (oral) are effective. If the infection is more widespread, or if you're having a slow recovery on oral antibiotics, antibiotics may be used intravenously (IV) or by injection. For cellulitis of the leg or arm, treatment also includes elevating the limb to reduce swelling. Treatment for children depends on their age and which part of the body is infected. An antibiotic is usually given intravenously. Facial cellulitis in young children requires immediate treatment and responds well to antibiotics.1 SOURCE: Cellulitis Causes A number of factors can increase the chance that bacteria may invade the skin and cause infection. These include the following:

Injuries that break the skin

Infections related to a surgical procedure

Any breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to invade the skin (examples are chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis)

Foreign objects in the skin

Infection of bone underneath the skin (An example is a long-standing open wound that is deep enough to expose the bone to bacteria. Sometimes this occurs in people with diabetes who have lost sensation in their feet.)

What are cellulitis risk factors? Most commonly, cellulitis develops in the area of a break in the skin, such as a cut, small puncture wound, or insect bite. In some cases when cellulitis develops without an apparent skin injury, it may be due to microscopic cracks in the skin that is inflamed or irritated. It may also appear in the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds. In other circumstances, cellulitis occurs where there has been no skin break at all, such as with chronic leg swelling (edema). A preexisting skin infection, such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis) or impetigo can predispose to the development of cellulitis. Likewise, inflammatory conditions of the skin like eczema, psoriasis, or skin damage caused by radiation therapy can lead to cellulitis. People who have diabetes or conditions that compromise the function of the immune system (for example, HIV/AIDS or those receiving chemotherapy or drugs that suppress the immune system) are particularly prone to developing cellulitis. Conditions that reduce the circulation of blood in the veins or that reduce circulation of the lymphatic fluid (such as venous insufficiency, obesity, pregnancy, or surgeries) also increase the risk of developing cellulitis.

Abscess is the limited purulent dissolution of the soft tissues. The hypodermin well expressed in children in MFA. It has protective ammortisative functions,makes round counters of the face. But due to lack of the blood supply thishypoderm is involved into the inflammatory processes very often. As a result thecavity is formed and is filled in with the pus. Phlegmon is spreaded purulent dissolution of the soft tissues.This conditionis an acute, diffuse inflammatory infiltration of the loose connective tissue foundunderneath the skin. It is believed today that cellulitis and phlegmon areinterchangeable terms. The term cellulitis has prevailed and so the term phlegmonhas just about been abandoned. Etiology: causative agent of abscesses and phlegmons are mixed microflorawith dominating of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus in combination with Escherichia coli and other kinds of bacillus. Clinical Presentation.

This disease is characterized by edema, headache, andreddish skin. The edema, whose margins are diffuse and not defined, may presentin various areas of the face and its localization depends on the infected toothresponsible. For example, if the mandibular posterior teeth are involved, theedema presents as submandibular, and, inmore severe cases,

spreads towards thecheek or the opposite side, leading to grave disfigurement of the face. When theinfection originates in the maxillary anterior teeth, the edema involves the upperlip, which presentswith a characteristic protrusion. In the initial stage, cellulitisfeels soft or doughy during palpation, without pus present, while in moreadvanced stages, a board-like induration appears, whichmay lead to suppuration.At this stage, the pus is localized in small focal sites in the deep tissue. Abscesses and phlegmons of odontogenic region appear as the result of infection spreading from the apical region due to exacerbation of chronicperiapical inflammation of primary and permanent teeth, suppuration of theradical cysts. Osteomielitis can be accompanied with abscesses and phlegmons.They can be as a complication of periostitis.

Peculiarities of the clinical course :1. Soft tissues in children are characterized with the less tightness of fascias andaponeurosis which limit the anatomical space.2. The hypoderm is more loosen.3. Immaturity of the cellular barrier leads to the infection spreading on the newtissues.4. Functional lymph system immaturity leads to lymph nodes involving in theinflammatory process more often.5. Facial blood supply is better expressed in comparison with other areas and ithas positive and negative (quick infection spreading) sides.6. Significant pain reactions.7. Rapid formation of the purulent process (2-3 days).

8. Superficial abscesses and phlegmones are accompanied with well expresseddeformation of the face, and deep ones with disturbances of chewing,swallowing and speech. Classification: 1.

Odontogenic, nonodontogenic2.

Superficial

Deep

Mental and submental area - Retroorbital cellular space -

Canine fossa - Subtemporal fossa -

Buccal area - Pterygomandibular space -

Temporal area - Bottom of the oral cavity -

Zygomatical area - Peripharyngeal space -

Parotideomasseterica area - Temporal area -

Submandibular area -

Sublingual area -

Alveololingual groove 3.

Upper jaw Lower jaw -

Fossa canina (infraorbital area) - mental and submental area -

Zygomatical area - buccal -

Orbital area - submandibular area -

Temporal fossa - pterygomandibular area

Subtemporal and pterygopalatinal fossae - peripharyngeal -

Hard and soft palate - parotideomasseterica area

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