Cellulitis
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No, we are not talking about a condition related to obesity. Our
obsession with weight has brought about confusion in regard to how many
of words are used. Contrary to what most people think, you do not have
to be overweight to have cellulitis. And, cellulitis is not to be
confused with the cosmetic concern known as cellulite. Cellulitis is a
serious condition. It is generally an acute, spreading infectious
process that initially affects the layers of the skin and then may
spread within the layer of connective tissue that lies just below the
surface of the skin called the superficial fascia.(1 <#fn107363>)
Infections of the skin and soft tissue are among those most commonly
seen both in and out of the hospital setting.
Cellulitis is considered a serious condition because of the tendency for
it spread through the lymphatic system and then into the bloodstream.
Bacteremia may be present in as many as 30 percent of cases. Other
complications include the possibility of thrombophlebitis, particularly
in the elderly population.
The skin and tissues just under the skin are normally extremely
resistant to infection. Even when high concentrations of bacteria are
applied topically or injected into the soft tissue, it is rare for an
infection to take hold.(2 <#fn107364>)
Our skin is a tough barrier to infection and there are several reasons
for this. The surface of the skin is usually a pretty dry place so it is
not really the environment that makes a good home for bacteria. Also,
the skin continues to renew itself by shedding cells and along with
them, bacteria. Any situation that changes the normal condition on the
skin, our largest organ, puts it in danger of becoming infected. Some of
these conditions include abrasions, disease, punctures, and various
infections. The areas of the body that are most sensitive to infection
are the areas which are generally exposed such as the face, neck, and
hands. These areas usually have the highest bacterial density.
Cellulitis is usually caused by two microorganisms known as
/Streptococcus pyogenes/ or /Staphylococcus aureus/. There are other
types of organisms which can cause cellulitis that could be seen in
patients with diabetic foot problems. This infection is much more
complicated. Finally, one of the more exotic possible ways to get
cellulitis would be through an insect bite such as the bite of a brown
recluse spider. Finally, dry, cracked skin that remains uncared for may
become secondarily infected.(3 <#fn107368>)
One particular type of cellulitis occurs in children between the ages of
one and five years. This is known as /Haemophilus influenza/. This type
of cellulitis is often associated with an upper respiratory infection
and involves the face, neck, or upper extremities. In children, the
lesions are usually blue-red or purple-red and are swollen.
Additional Links Back to Top <#top>
* Statistics <HC2.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc> about Cellulitis
* Signs and Symptoms <HC2.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc> of Cellulitis
Footnotes Back to Top <#top>
^1 Danzinger LH, Fish DN. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, In:DiPiro JT,
et al. eds. Pharmacotherapy, A Pathophysiologic Approach. 4th ed.
Appleton & Lange. Stamford CT. 1999:1685-1689.
^2 Yagupski P. Bacteriologic aspects of skin and soft tissue infections.
Pediatr Ann. 1993;22:217-224.
^3 Lipsky BA, Pecoraro RE, Wheat LJ. The diabetic foot: Soft tissue and
bone infection. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 1990;4:409-432.
View Abstract </SHK/view-abs.asp?fnid=107368&absid=102595>
About Cellulitis
? Introduction <HC1.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc>
? Statistics <HC2.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc>
? Signs & Symptoms <HC2.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc#sign>
*Treatment Options* <HC3.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc>
Click to View additional treatment options for Cellulitis
<HC3.asp?objID=100441&cType=hc>
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