Cellulitis - UK Health Insurance

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[Cellulitis] [Constipation]

CELLULITIS

Cellulitis is an infection of the lower layers of skin and the subcutaneous tissues.

TARGET GROUP:

Everybody can be prone to the infection; it is not limited to any particular group of people. People whose immune systems are weakened for reasons like chemotherapy for cancer or other immune-suppressing drugs and those with diabetes are at higher risk for developing Cellulites.

TYPE OF AILMENT:

While Cellulitis may develop around wounds in the skin or surgical incisions, it can also arise without an obvious source for the bacterial infection. Staphylococci are the bacteria that usually cause Cellulitis, followed by Streptococci.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SYMPTOMS:

The symptoms of Cellulitis may include;

• Inflammation of skin
• Redness of skin
• Swelling lymph nodes in the area of infection
• The skin may remain warm
• Fever
• Painful skin
• Tender skin

 

AFFECTED AREAS:

Cellulitis generally begins as a small area of pain and redness on the skin. This area spreads to surrounding tissues.

PROBABLE CAUSES:

Some of the possible causes of Cellulitis are;

• Bacterial infection
• Streptococcus bacteria

 

RISK TO OTHERS:

Cellulitis is not contagious since the top layer of the skin is not affected and provides a defensive cover over the infected area.

 

RISK TO THE SUFFERER:

If not properly treated, the bacterial infection can increase all over the body, resulting in serious illness.

TREATMENT:

Antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of Cellulitis. Penicillin derivatives are often suggested to treat Cellulitis, but other antibiotics can also be effective. In acute and severe cases of Cellulitis, hospitalization and supervision of intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. Beside this the other preventive measures which could be used as treatment are;

• The patient should take complete bed rest
• To avoid pain the patient can take pain killers
• The affected area should be kept elevated
• The patient can soak the affected area in warm water which might relax him (or her)