Cellulitisis an infection of the skin that typically happens after a break in the integrity of the skin.
However, it isnot contagious.
It is normal for bacteria to be on the skin.
Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
In fact, bacteria live on the surface of normal, healthy skin.
These bacteria are referred to as “normal flora.”
The skin is typically angry in appearance, hot to the touch, and may appear tight and/or shiny.
Often there is a very distinct border to the area of redness at the edges.
Serious infections are often accompanied by feeling weak or generally under the weather.
Fever and chills may be present, and there may be swollen lymph nodes near the site of infection.
Most cellulitis occurs in the legs, but it can occur almost anywhere on the body.
For the surgery patient, the site of an incision is by far the most common site of infection.
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Causes
Most cellulitis infections are due to one of two strains of bacteria: streptococcus and staphylococcus.
Remember that a large wound is not necessary for a skin infection to begin.
For most patients diagnosed with cellulitis, an oral antibiotic is adequate to treat the issue.
However, in serious cases, a stay in the hospital and IV antibiotics may be needed.
Cellulitis can also become a serious systemic infection calledsepsis.
Prompt treatment can dramatically reduce healing time, the amount of treatment required, and long-term complications.
Prevention
Preventing any infectioncan be as simple asgood hand washing.
Wound infections can quickly go from a minor nuisance to a major problem in very little time.
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