Presentation
Presenting signs and symptoms Like Mr. W, patients with cellulitis usually complain of localized pain and swelling and may have a history of trauma, bite, dermatitis, or surgery. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Unlike many texts, which are organized by disease or pathogen, this unique resource presents a problem-oriented approach to the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases in children. [books.google.com]
If cellulitis is present around the eyes, the eyelids may be swollen shut and shiny red or purple, Medline Plus states. Orbital cellulitis, which affects the area around the eye, is a medical emergency. [livestrong.com]
When to call the doctor Call your doctor if symptoms of cellulitis are present. [health24.com]
Entire Body System
- Animal Bite
Human or animal bites or injuries that occur in water can also cause infection. Immediate treatment can help prevent the spread of cellulitis. Some cases of cellulitis are considered an emergency. [childrenshospital.org]
Less common bacteria varieties can cause infection after animal bites, puncture wounds through wet shoes, or wounds exposed to freshwater lakes, aquariums, or swimming pools. [drugs.com]
Other causes may include human or animal bites, or injuries that occur in water. This opening can lead to an infection. Cellulitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection of a wound, or an area of skin that is no longer intact. [chop.edu]
The most common bacterial causes of cellulitis involve the following: • Streptococcus pneumonia • Group A ß - hemolytic streptococcus • Staphylococcus aureus Other causes may include human or animal bites, or injuries in water. [columbiadoctors.org]
- Fatigue
Cellulitis may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, and fatigue. Self-Care Guidelines If you think you have cellulitis, make an appointment to see your doctor. [skinsight.com]
People with cellulitis may also experience fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue, according to the National Institutes of Health. If left untreated, the skin infection can spread to the lymph nodes or blood. [livescience.com]
[…] tight, glossy, swollen appearance of the skin a feeling of warmth in the affected area a central area that has an abscess with pus formation a fever Some common symptoms of a more serious cellulitis infection are: shaking chills a feeling of illness fatigue [healthline.com]
[…] infection spreads Tight, glossy, stretched appearance of the skin Pain or tenderness of the area Skin lesion or rash that has a sudden onset, usually with sharp borders and rapid spread within the first 24 hours Fever Chills, shaking, warm skin, sweating, fatigue [health24.com]
[…] in the first 24 hours Tight, glossy, stretched appearance of the skin Warm skin in the area of redness Joint stiffness from swelling of the tissue over the joint Nausea and vomiting Signs of infection include any of the following: Chills or shaking Fatigue [medlineplus.gov]
- Malaise
Early infection is characterised by fever, rigors and malaise. There may or may not be a history of initial skin injury. Although any site may be affected, the face, hands and lower legs are the most common. [dermnetnz.org]
(sel·y ·līˑ·t s), n skin and subcutaneous tissue infection that causes redness, swelling, local heat, and pain; in extreme cases, chills, fever, headache, and malaise. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Fever and a general sick feeling (malaise) often accompany cellulitis. Severe infections can cause low blood pressure if bacteria get into the bloodstream. [drugs.com]
[…] skin Skin pain or tenderness Drainage or leaking of yellow clear fluid or pus from the skin; large blisters may occur Tender or swollen lymph nodes near the affected area, or red streaks extending from the red area (lymphangitis) Fever, chills, and malaise [emedicinehealth.com]
Respiratoric
- Aspiration
Investigations Surface swabs are generally negative The organism can be cultured in 30% by needle aspiration of the advancing edge Blood cultures are positive in only 2% Treatment Streptococcal infections must be treated aggressively as they are potentially [dermnetnz.org]
Material from needle aspiration of inflamed skin or skin biopsy can be cultured in cases of cellulitis without purulence, abscess, or a necrotic lesion, but this is usually not required. [clinicaladvisor.com]
Gastrointestinal
- Diarrhea
They could suffer from diarrhea and decreased flow of urine. Their skin is cold, clammy and very pale, while their mental status can also be impaired, leading to confusion, disorientation and even unconsciousness. [ic.steadyhealth.com]
Neurologic
- Lethargy
Fever, chills, lethargy, irritability, headache, confusion, body aches and discomfort are common symptoms of facial cellulitis. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting may also occur. Fever may cause a rise in the pulse rate known as tachycardia. [livestrong.com]
Some common symptoms of a more serious cellulitis infection are: shaking chills a feeling of illness fatigue dizziness lightheadedness muscle aches warm skin sweating Symptoms such as the following could signal that cellulitis is spreading: drowsiness lethargy [healthline.com]
Call your doctor if you are being treated for cellulitis and new symptoms develop such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy, blistering over the cellulitis or extension of the red streaks. [health24.com]
[…] covering the brain and spinal cord ( meningitis ) Shock Tissue death ( gangrene ) Call your provider right away if: You have symptoms of cellulitis You are being treated for cellulitis and you develop new symptoms, such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy [medlineplus.gov]
- Tingling
Consult your child's doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms in your child: A very large area of red, inflamed skin Fever If the area affected is causing your child to complain of numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, [chop.edu]
Always consult a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: • A large area of red, inflamed skin • If the skin appears black • If the area affected is causing tingling, numbness, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or foot • Fever [columbiadoctors.org]
Always talk with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: A very large area of red, inflamed skin Fever If the area affected is causing numbness, tingling, or other changes in a hand, arm, leg, or foot If the skin [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Treatment
Treatment mostly consists of antibiotics and recurrence prevention. Treatment begins with antibiotics. Depending on the hardness of infection, antibiotics are given either in the hospital, at household, or in a combining of these two locations. [ecellulitis.com]
More treatment-centered approach helps you focus on the therapeutic process—from diagnostic evaluation and testing to treatment selection. [books.google.com]
Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, at-home antibiotic treatments suffice, clearing up the infection within a few days. For severe cases, hospital treatment might be required. [healthyliving.azcentral.com]
Immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent vision loss from damage to the optic nerve, according to Q-Notes for Adult Medicine. [livestrong.com]
Treatment The following treatments are commonly recommended for cellulitis: Medication Cellulitis nearly always responds rapidly to antibiotics. [medicalnewstoday.com]
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good, but the condition can return, especially in people with poor circulation, chronic (long-term) swelling in the legs or skin that is in poor condition. [drugs.com]
What is the outlook/prognosis for cellulitis? What are complications of cellulitis? Cellulitis is a treatable condition, but antibiotic treatment is necessary to eradicate the infection and avoid complications and spread of the infection. [medicinenet.com]
What Is the Prognosis of Cellulitis? Most people respond to the antibiotics in two to three days and begin to show improvement. In rare cases, the cellulitis may progress to a serious illness by spreading through the bloodstream. [emedicinehealth.com]
Prognosis Over 90% of all cellulitis cases are cured after seven to ten days of antibiotic treatment. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Etiology
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. [icd10coded.com]
See: illustration ; necrotizing fasciitis Etiology Bacteria gain access through breaks in the skin and spread rapidly, overwhelming normal body defenses; lesions between the toes from athlete's foot are common entry sites. [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Prevention
Prevention Preventing cellulitis can prevent cellulitis scars. Preventative steps include keeping the skin clean and using a moisturizer to prevent cracking. [healthyliving.azcentral.com]
Other steps to help recovery and prevent recurrence are: take all medicines as prescribed take care of the skin. Any measure that prevents injury to the skin will help to prevent cellulitis elevate the affected leg or arm to reduce swelling. [doctor.ndtv.com]
Immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent vision loss from damage to the optic nerve, according to Q-Notes for Adult Medicine. [livestrong.com]
Treatment usually requires antibiotics and prevention of recurrence. If infection is for some reason left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. [ecellulitis.com]
Prevention If your cellulitis recurs, your doctor may recommend preventive antibiotics. To help prevent cellulitis and other infections, take these precautions when you have a skin wound: Wash your wound daily with soap and water. [mayoclinic.org]