CELLULITIS : DEFINITION , CLINICAL FEATURES ,TREATMENT & COMPLICATIONS

DEFINITION :

This is spreading inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues & facial planes ,  usually ending in suppuration . Any organism may cause a cellulitis but it particularly due to streptococcus pyogenes which has a inherent property of causing diffuse inflammation .

                                                                       

CELLULITIS

             

CLINICAL FEATURES :

The affected parts shows evidence of inflammation such as redness & itching followed by diffuse swelling . Skin is stretched & shiny . pain ,fever ,  toxaemia follow later .It is differentiated from an abscess by the following features  :  NO PUS , NO LIMIT ,NO EDGE , NO FLUCTUATION .

TREATMENT :

1.Rest to the part .
2. Keeping the part elevated , to reduce oedema .
3. Antibiotics , preferably broad spectrum .
4.Investigations & treatment for diabetes .

COMPLICATIONS :

1. Cellulitis can turn into an abscess which need to be drained .
2. Toxaemia & septicaemia .