Cellulitis According to Porth; Cellulitis is a deeper infection affecting the dermis and subcutaneous tissues (Porth, 2011).

The most common causative organisms of cellulitis are Streptococcus aureus and Group A Beta Hemolytic streptococci. The most common sites that cellulitis occurs are the legs, hands and pinae of the ears (Porth, 2011). Although these are the most common sites, cellulitis may occur on many other areas of the body. Typically a preexisting wound, such as a scratch, ulcer or cracks such as athletes foot is the area in which the causative organism can enter into the body. Once inside, the organism can multiply inside the hosts tissue (the human body) creating a lesion on the skin, which is typically the first clinical indication of a cellulitis infection. The lesion may appear to be red, swollen, tender and warm to the touch. A fever may also accompany a cellulitis infection. Besides the assessment findings of reddened, warm, tender and swollen skin, there may be other clinical findings as well. These findings may include; an increased WBC count due to the bodys attempt at fighting infection, an increased glucose level due to stress on the body caused by infection, as well as fluid or electrolyte imbalances due to increased edema. Neutrophils may also be increased as they are typically found to be elevated during a state of acute infection or inflammation. Treatment of cellulitis is aimed at treating the causative organism. Typically a culture of the wound may be obtained and sent to a lab for a culture and sensitivity test. The C&S test will identify the specific organism causing the infection as well as identify the main antibiotics that the organism may be susceptible or resistant against. Knowing what antibiotics will or will not work against the organism is an important factor in a patients treatment. A physician may also order a CBC in order to monitor blood counts and look for signs of a systemic infection. If the

cellulitis is extensive, a X-Ray may also be ordered to investigate how deep the wound is as in has the infection reached to bone. Analgesics may also be prescribed to manage the patients pain associated to the infection. Some ways to prevent cellulitis include; practicing good personal hygiene, avoiding situations that may injure your skin, wear study, well-fitting shoes and do not walk barefoot in areas you are not sure of (ie; outside, public places, garage), or taking precautions if you currently have any open wounds on your body (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Individuals with diabetes, kidney, liver or circulatory disease must take extra precautions to maintain the integrity of the extremities as injury to these areas may be more catastrophic than those in healthy individuals. It is important to instruct all patients to pay attention to any injuries or lesions that appear on their skin and to be able to recognize the s/s of infection.