Cellulitis
by
Debra Wood, RN DefinitionCellulitis is an infection of the skin and tissue just below the skin. The infection may occur anywhere on the body but it is most common on the lower legs. If it is not treated it can spread to other areas of the body. Causes TOPCellulitis is caused by a bacteria. The bacteria may normally live on top of the skin or come from other sources. It enters the skin through a cut or injury on the skin surface. Once inside the skin the bacteria can grow and cause infection. Risk Factors TOPFactors that may increase the chance of cellulitis include:
Symptoms TOPSymptoms may include:
Diagnosis TOPYou will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor will also ask about any recent injuries. The area will be closely examined. The doctor may know it is cellulitis from the appearance of the skin. The outer edge of the redness may be marked. This will help to see if the infection spreads. Your doctor may do blood tests. Fluid from the area may also be tested to find out what bacteria is causing the problem. Treatment TOPThe goal is to get rid of the infection and manage pain. Treatment may last 7-10 days. Most cellulitis will clear up after 1-2 weeks of treatment. Hospital care may be needed if you have:
Treatment includes: MedicationAntibiotics will help to clear the infection. Less severe infections may be treated with pills. The medicine may need to be injected or given by IV if the infection is severe. It is important to take all the medicine as given, even if the area looks better. Pain medication may also be given to help manage pain. Supportive CareKeeping the area raised can help move fluids out. It may also speed healing. It is important to protect the skin and stop further damage while you heal. This includes not scratching or rubbing the area. Use and change bandages as recommended by your doctor. Keep the area clean. Prevention TOPTo decrease the risk of breaks in the skin:
To help reduce your chance of infections:
RESOURCES:American Academy of Dermatology https://www.aad.org National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases https://www.niaid.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCE;Canadian Dermatology Association https://dermatology.ca Health Canada http://www.canada.ca References:
Cellulitis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116794/Cellulitis
. Updated August 14, 2017. Accessed August 17, 2017.
Cellulitis. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at:
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/cellulitis. Accessed August 17, 2017. Cellulitis. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/cellulitis. Updated July 2016. Accessed August 17, 2017. Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(2):147-159. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael Woods, MD, FAAP Last Updated: 3/13/2018 |
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