Definition Cellulitis is an inflammatory condition of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue usually found obstructing a wound, ulcer or dermatosis [10]. Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection. It may appear as a swollen, red area of the skin that will feel hot and tender to touch. Cellulitis can spread to other parts of the body however it is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. The lower leg of the body is most commonly affected, although cellulitis can occur anywhere in the body such as body or the face. Cellulitis may also affect only the surface of the skin, the dermis but can also affect deeper layers of the skin such as the tissues, lymph nodes and blood stream. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and may be life threatening. It is best to seek attention immediately.
Etiology
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), or by a wide variety of bacteria of external bacteria [10] Cellulitis can occur as an …show more content…
Since most cases of cellulitis are caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal species, beta-lactam antibiotics with activity against penicillinase-producing S. aureus are the drugs of choice by many doctors. Cefazolin is an example of penicillin doctors may prescribe. Doctors may also prescribe the use of IV or intramuscular antibiotics if the infection is severe, patient is either very young or very old, the cellulitis covers larger areas or in areas like the patients hands or eyes, or if the infection worsens even after taking antibiotics. In rare and severe cases, a patient may need surgery. A doctor may need to open and drain an abscess or collect pus in the tissue. Doctors may also need to cut away dead tissue to allow healing. Doctors may also recommend elevating the affected area which may speed
Etiology
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes), or by a wide variety of bacteria of external bacteria [10] Cellulitis can occur as an …show more content…
Since most cases of cellulitis are caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal species, beta-lactam antibiotics with activity against penicillinase-producing S. aureus are the drugs of choice by many doctors. Cefazolin is an example of penicillin doctors may prescribe. Doctors may also prescribe the use of IV or intramuscular antibiotics if the infection is severe, patient is either very young or very old, the cellulitis covers larger areas or in areas like the patients hands or eyes, or if the infection worsens even after taking antibiotics. In rare and severe cases, a patient may need surgery. A doctor may need to open and drain an abscess or collect pus in the tissue. Doctors may also need to cut away dead tissue to allow healing. Doctors may also recommend elevating the affected area which may speed