A Family Doctor's Tale - CELLULITIS

DOC I HAVE CELLULITIS

Cellulitis can be a serious condition because the bacteria in the infected tissues can spread quickly through the skin especially in patients with diabetes and varicose veins.

The skin is red and warm and the bacteria can spread through the subcutaneous tissues very rapidly.

One of my diabetic patient had to have his leg amputed because the bacteria spread from his foot to the upper legs within 24 hours.

That is how fast cellulitis can spread.


Cellulitis is a condition where bacterial infection and inflammation spread through the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

The causes of Cellulitis are usually:


1.The bacteria that attack the skin and subcutaneous tissues are usually streptococci and staphylococci.

2.Rarely the bacteria can be clostridia.

Spread occurs as a result of

1.tissue damage

2.lower body immunity (eg, diabetes,AIDS)

3.virulence of the bacteria

Symptoms and signs of Cellulitis are:


1.Red painful hot and swollen skin with ill defined borders

2.Pain and tenderness on palpation

3.In anaerobic infections, crepitation may be present.

4.Pussy discharge may be foul smelling

5.Lymphangitis and lymphadenitis ma be present

Investigations  in Cellulitis are:


1.Wound swabs may be necessary to determine the bacteria and their resistance to antibiotics

2.Deep cellulitis may required Xrays and ultrasound scans to see the spread.

Treatment of Cellulitis is:


1.The underlying disease such as diabetes must be treated.

2.Cool compress may relieve local discomfort.

3.Analgesics and painkillers may help to relieve pain

4.Appropriate antibiotics may be taken orally or by skin applications.

5.Anaerobic infections require systemic antibiotics.

If fascilitis (infection of the fascia of muscles) is present, surgical debridement(removal of damaged tissues and pus) is necessary.



The prognosis of Cellulitis is good with early detection and treatment.