Monday, September 8, 2008

Cellulitis


Cellulitis is a common infection on the skin, and deep under it in the soft tissues. The bacteria enter the skin through open wounds or scrapes. It is more uncommon, but sometimes they enter through closed normal skin too. The bacteria cause infection and inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to look very red, like it has been severely sunburned. It also causes swelling, warmth and pain. The inflammation itself causes the skin to be in a very uncomfortable state. Then comes the blisters, and when the blisters arrive, it is obvious that the cellulitis is extremely bad. If the infection gets bad enough, and treatment doesn't cure it. Amputation may be the last hope.
Cellulitis symptoms & treatment:
Cellulitis has many terrible symptoms such as, redness, major swelling, warmth, pain, large blisters or pus forming under the skin, tender or swollen lymph nodes near the infected area, and a fever may occur if the bacteria get into the blood stream. Caring for cellulitis infections is pretty simple. It can even be done at home. Just rest the area that is involved and elevate it as much as possible. The elevation will reduce swelling and make the area a bit more comfortable. Over the counter pain-relievers, such as Tylenol or Motrin, will help keep the fever down, reduce swelling, and decrease pain. If the cellulitis gets bad enough, hospital treatments would be the last resort.
Cellulitis Causes:
The bacteria that cause cellulitis enter the body through open wounds, other infections, breaks in the skin, punctures or other foreign objects that enter the skin, or infection of the bone underneath the skin. The best way to prevent this infection would be to keep the body healthy, and clean and cover up open wounds or any breakage in the skin as soon as possible.
Sources:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cellulitis


Posted by Lauren