Cellulitis

Definition

Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. It typically develops when bacteria, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus, enter the skin through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin's barrier.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly affects the lower legs, arms, and face.
2. Risk factors for developing cellulitis include diabetes, weakened immune system, obesity, and poor circulation.
3. Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, and may also include fever and chills.
4. Cellulitis is typically treated with antibiotics, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.
5. Severe cases of cellulitis may require hospitalization, particularly if the infection is spreading rapidly or the patient has a weakened immune system.

Review Questions

• Describe the typical clinical presentation of cellulitis and how it differs from other skin infections.
  • Cellulitis is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area of the skin. It often has a diffuse, spreading pattern, rather than a localized, raised border like erysipelas. Cellulitis may also be accompanied by fever and chills, indicating a systemic response to the bacterial infection. In contrast, other skin infections like abscesses present with a more localized collection of pus, while lymphangitis involves inflammation of the lymphatic vessels.
• Explain the role of risk factors in the development and progression of cellulitis.
  • Certain underlying conditions and factors can increase an individual's risk of developing cellulitis or experiencing more severe complications. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, obesity, and poor circulation can all contribute to the development of cellulitis by impairing the skin's natural defenses against bacterial invasion. Additionally, these risk factors can lead to a more rapid spread of the infection and a higher likelihood of hospitalization or the need for intravenous antibiotics, as the body's ability to fight the infection may be compromised.
• Evaluate the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment for cellulitis, and the potential consequences of delayed or inadequate management.
  • Prompt and appropriate treatment of cellulitis is crucial, as the infection can rapidly progress and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Delayed or inadequate management of cellulitis can result in the further spread of the infection, the development of abscesses or necrotizing fasciitis, and even sepsis, which is a life-threatening systemic response to the infection. Early recognition of cellulitis and immediate initiation of antibiotic therapy, either orally or intravenously, can help to contain the infection, prevent complications, and facilitate a faster recovery. Failure to properly manage cellulitis can lead to prolonged hospitalization, the need for surgical intervention, and in severe cases, long-term disability or even death.

Related terms

Erysipelas: A type of cellulitis that primarily affects the upper layers of the skin, often with a distinct, raised border.

Abscess: A localized collection of pus within the skin or underlying tissues, which can occur as a complication of cellulitis.

Lymphangitis: Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, which can occur as a result of the spread of infection from cellulitis.