cellulitis

Cellulitis: A Common Bacterial Skin Infection

Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial skin infection that affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below [2]. It is characterized by swollen, inflamed, and painful skin, typically on the lower part of the body, including the legs, arms, or face [4].

Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of cellulitis can vary from person to person but often include:

• Painful and swollen skin
• Redness and warmth around the affected area
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Tenderness to touch

Causes and Risk Factors

Cellulitis is usually caused by bacterial infections, such as streptococci or staphylococci [6]. It can occur when bacteria enter the body through a cut, scratch, or other wound. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation are more susceptible to developing cellulitis.

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment for cellulitis typically involves antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection [7]. In addition, elevating the affected area, applying warm compresses, and resting can help alleviate symptoms. To prevent cellulitis, it is essential to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing wounds regularly with soap and water.

Key Points

• Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.
• Symptoms include painful and swollen skin, redness, fever, and swelling of lymph nodes.
• Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive care to alleviate symptoms.
• Prevention requires good hygiene practices and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

References:

[1] Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin is swollen and inflamed and is typically painful and ...

[2] Definition. Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. It affects the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and the tissues below.

[3] Apr 26, 2022 — Cellulitis has been classically considered to be an infection without formation of abscess (nonpurulent), purulent drainage, or ulceration. At ...

[4] Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of your skin and the tissues beneath your skin. It most commonly affects the lower part of your body, including your legs, ...

[5] by S Maitre · 2006 · Cited by 13 — Cellulitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue usually found complicating a wound, ulcer or dermatosis.

[6] Cellulitis is acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue most often caused by streptococci or staphylococci. Symptoms and signs are pain, ...

[7] Nov 28, 2023 — Cellulitis treatment includes antibiotics as well as treatment of any underlying condition that led to the skin infection. Elevate the area —

[8] Result: noun | an inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin) characterized by fever and swelling and redness and pain

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Redness: The affected area may appear red, which can be less obvious on brown or black skin [4].
• Swelling: The skin in the affected area may become swollen, tender, and painful to touch [2][3][7].
• Pain: Cellulitis can cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the affected area [1][2][3][6].
• Warmth: The affected area may feel warm or hot to the touch [1][2][3][5].
• Fever: In some cases, cellulitis can cause a fever, which is a sign of infection [10].
• Blisters or Bumps: In severe cases, cellulitis can cause blisters or bumps on the skin [1][3].

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as cellulitis can spread quickly and become more serious if left untreated.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10

Diagnosing Cellulitis: A Comprehensive Overview

Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests.

• Clinical Examination: Your healthcare provider will typically diagnose cellulitis by examining the affected area. They may look for signs such as redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the infected skin [1].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to confirm whether the infection has spread to your blood. This can help determine the severity of the condition [2].
• Skin Test: A skin test may also be performed to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms [3].

In some cases, additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.

• Blood Culture: A blood culture may be taken to pinpoint the etiology of the infection [5].
• Gram Stain: A Gram stain may be performed on a sample from the affected area to determine the type of bacteria present [5].
• Culture of Needle Aspiration or Punch Biopsy Specimens: In severe cases, a culture of needle aspiration or punch biopsy specimens may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and identify the causative organism [5].

It's worth noting that while these tests can help diagnose cellulitis, they are not always necessary. In many cases, healthcare providers can diagnose the condition based on clinical examination alone [7][8].

Treatment Options for Cellulitis

Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and underlying tissues, can be effectively treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity and location of the infection.

• Mild cases: In mild cases of cellulitis treated on an outpatient basis, dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin are all reasonable choices [1]. Clindamycin is also used for serious skin and soft-tissue staphylococcal infections [3].
• Oral antibiotics: Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription oral antibiotic. Within three days of starting an antibiotic, let your health care provider know if the symptoms worsen or do not improve [2].
• Duration of treatment: A mild case of cellulitis usually responds to oral antibiotic treatment in 7–14 days. The symptoms may initially worsen, but they usually start easing within 2-3 days after starting treatment [8].

Antibiotic Options

Some commonly used antibiotics for treating cellulitis include:

• Amoxicillin
• Ampicillin
• Cephalexin
• Cefadroxil
• Cefprozil
• Cefpodoxime
• Cefazolin
• Cefuroxime

Pathogen-Specific Therapy

The choice of antibiotic may also depend on the specific pathogen causing the infection. For example, amoxicillin is effective against Streptococcus pyogenes, while cephalexin is effective against Staphylococcus aureus [6].

Support for Alternative Antibiotics

Some studies suggest that alternative antibiotics like trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and doxycycline may also be effective in treating cellulitis. However, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy [4].

References:

[1] Apr 26, 2022 — In mild cases of cellulitis treated on an outpatient basis, dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin are all reasonable choices.

[2] Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription oral antibiotic. Within three days of starting an antibiotic, let your health care provider know if the symptoms worsen or do not improve.

[3] Apr 26, 2022 — Clindamycin is a lincosamide used for the treatment of serious skin and soft-tissue staphylococcal infections, including some community-acquired cases.

[4] by D Spelman · Cited by 3 — Cellulitis cure rates with TMP-SMX range from 78 to 83 percent [25,26], and support for doxycycline is based on observational data, as discussed...

[5] by T Sullivan · 2018 · Cited by 112 — Most cases of uncomplicated cellulitis are traditionally treated with 1–2 weeks of antimicrobial therapy.

[6] Jan 13, 2023 — Pathogen Specific Therapy · Amoxicillin · Ampicillin · Cephalexin · Cefadroxil · Cefprozil · Cefpodoxime · Cefazolin · Cefuroxime.

[7] Antibiotics: An oral (you take by swallowing) antibiotic can effectively clear cellulitis. The type of antibiotic you need and how long you'll need to take it will depend on your specific situation.

[8] A mild case of cellulitis usually responds to oral antibiotic treatment in 7–14 days. The symptoms may initially worsen, but they usually start easing within 2-3 days after starting treatment.

Differential Diagnosis of Cellulitis

Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, can be challenging to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. A thorough understanding of the differential diagnosis is essential for accurate identification and treatment.

Common Mimics of Cellulitis:

• Erysipelas: A type of cellulitis with sharply demarcated and raised borders [2][4].
• Necrotizing fasciitis: A severe infection that can cause rapid progression and destruction of skin and subcutaneous tissue [1].
• Gas gangrene: A condition caused by Clostridium bacteria, characterized by gas production in the tissues [2].
• Varicella zoster: A viral infection that can cause a rash and blistering [2][4].

Other Conditions to Consider:

• Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of veins due to blood clots [5].
• Contact dermatitis: An allergic reaction caused by exposure to irritants or allergens [3].
• Insect stings: Can cause localized reactions that may mimic cellulitis [7].
• Drug reactions: Certain medications can cause skin reactions that resemble cellulitis [5].

Clinical Conditions That Commonly Mimic Cellulitis:

• Other cutaneous infections
• Venous disease
• Dermatitis
• Panniculitis
• Lymphoedema

Accurate diagnosis of cellulitis requires a thorough understanding of its differential diagnosis. By considering these common mimics and other conditions, healthcare professionals can provide timely and effective treatment for patients with cellulitis.

References:

[1] Apr 26, 2022 — Diagnostic Considerations · Necrotizing fasciitis [2] Sep 5, 2021 — Differential Diagnosis · Erysipelas | Has sharply demarcated and raised borders [3] What is the differential diagnosis of cellulitis? [4] Differential Diagnosis · Erysipelas | Has sharply demarcated and raised borders [5] Mar 1, 2021 — Overview. Cellulitis should be distinguished from thrombophlebitis, contact dermatitis, insect stings, drug reactions, and arthritis. [6] by D Spelman · Cited by 4 — Misdiagnosis of these entities is common [5], and alternative diagnoses should be considered (figure 1). (See 'Differential diagnosis' below.). [7] by MRCH Portal — Differential Diagnosis​​ Large local reactions to insect bites are a common mimic of cellulitis. Features include: a punctum at the site. [8] What are the clinical conditions that commonly mimic cellulitis? · Other cutaneous infections · Venous disease · Dermatitis · Panniculitis · Lymphoedema.