Cellulitis Skin Condition : What Is It ? Treatment and Advice For Patient
This is an infection of the subcutaneous tissues most commonly caused by a group A, C or ß-haemolitic streptococcus. It usually affects a lower limb but can occur anywhere on the body.
Approximate age group
More common in older people but can be seen in all age groups.
Presentation
There is usually an obvious portal of entry for the organism such as a leg ulcer, tinea pedis between the toes (athlete’s foot), eczema on the feet or legs or an insect bite. The area will be erythematous and oedematous with localised pain and restricted mobility. Blisters may be present with areas of skin necrosis. The patient may also have systemic symptoms such as fever, malaise, chills or possibly rigors.
Treatment
Penicillin-based antibiotics are the treatment of choice (such as benzyl penicillin or flucloxacillin). Oral erythromycin can be used for patients who are allergic to penicillin. If you have local guidelines on the management of common bacterial skin infections, their recommendations should be taken into consideration when prescribing treatment for cellulitis.
Most patients can be treated at home but intravenous antibiotics, which may require the patient to be admitted to hospital, may be required if there are signs of systemic illness or extensive cellulitis. The co-existing condition that allowed entry of bacteria into the skin should be treated.
Paracetamol may be prescribed for pain.
Advice to patient
After successful treatment, the skin may peel or flake off as it heals (post-inflammatory desquamation).
Traffic light
If the infection is slow to settle, check that the patient does not have diabetes or is immune-deficient as he or she may require hospital admission.
Cellulitis and allergic irritant contact dermatitis can look similar, particularly on the lower leg. If the patient is wearing compression garments and the condition is bilateral, it is more likely to be an allergic irritant contact dermatitis.
It may be helpful to use a demarcation line to assess whether cellulitis is extending.
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Keyword : Cellulitis Natural Treatment, Cellulitis Condition, Colour Skin Condition
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