Cellulitis refers to a bacterial infection of the skin. This may occur on the face, leg, arm, hand, foot, or trunk. It is often seen as a complication of an insect bite, abrasion, cut, or puncture wound.
Cellulitis is more commonly found in the diabetic, elderly, or otherwise immunocompromised patient. A closely related infection is lymphangitis which represents an infection to the lymph channels.
Cellulitis refers to an infection also involving the skin's deeper layers: the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria involved in cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus ("staph"), the same bacteria that cause many cases of 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.
Since cellulitis spreads quickly and can lead to more serious infections, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted it. Along with the symptoms listed above, cellulitis may also cause fever, chills and swollen glands. One may also observe red streaks around the affected area. A doctor can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe oral antibiotics like Keflex (cephalexin), usually taken for 10-14 days. The doctor will most likely want to recheck the area to be sure the symptoms are resolving.
Cellulitis is more commonly found in the diabetic, elderly, or otherwise immunocompromised patient. A closely related infection is lymphangitis which represents an infection to the lymph channels.
Cellulitis refers to an infection also involving the skin's deeper layers: the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main bacteria involved in cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus ("staph"), the same bacteria that cause many cases of 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.
Since cellulitis spreads quickly and can lead to more serious infections, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted it. Along with the symptoms listed above, cellulitis may also cause fever, chills and swollen glands. One may also observe red streaks around the affected area. A doctor can properly diagnose the condition and prescribe oral antibiotics like Keflex (cephalexin), usually taken for 10-14 days. The doctor will most likely want to recheck the area to be sure the symptoms are resolving.
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