CELLULITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--A non-contagious infection of connective tissue beneath the skin.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin anywhere on the body, but most likely on the face or lower legs. Erysipelas is the name of a severe cellulitis of the face.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sudden tenderness, swelling and redness in an area of the skin. The area of cellulitis is initially 5cm to 20cm in diameter and grows rapidly in the first 24 hours. A thin red line often extends from the middle of the cellulitis toward the heart. Cellulitis does not develop into a boil.
• Fever, sometimes accompanied by chills and sweats.
• General ill feeling.
• Swollen lymph glands nearest the cellulitis (sometimes).

CAUSES--Infection from staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Chronic illness, such as diabetes mellitus, or a recent infection that has lowered resistance.
• Any injury that breaks the skin.
• Poor nutrition.
• Intravenous drug use.
• Burns.
• Surgical wound.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Immunosuppression due to illness or medications.
• Animal bites.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid skin damage. Use protective clothing or gear if you participate in strenuous work or sports.
• Keep the skin clean.
• Avoid swimming if you have a skin lesion.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Skin biopsy (sometimes).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• If excess fluid is lost from the skin, hospitalization may be necessary to provide adequate hydration.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Blood poisoning, if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
• Brain infection or meningitis, if cellulitis occurs on the central part of the face.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 7 to 10 days with treatment, unless the patient has a chronic disease or is receiving immunosuppressive treatment. In that case, cellulitis may lead to blood poisoning and become life-threatening.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Use warm-water soaks (see Soaks in Appendix) to hasten healing and relieve pain and inflammation.
• Elevation and restricted movement of the affected area can help reduce swelling.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to fight infection. Finish the prescribed dose, even if symptoms disappear quickly.

ACTIVITY--Rest in bed until fever disappears and other symptoms improve. Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--No special diet. Vitamin-C supplements (250mg to 500mg daily) may hasten healing.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of cellulitis, especially on the face.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever. Headache or vomiting. Drowsiness and lethargy. Blister over the area of cellulitis. Red streaks that continue to extend, despite treatment.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.