It is spreading inflammation if the skin and subcutaneous tissues usually from acute infection.
Symptoms
Rednesss
Pain
Swelling
Warm to touch
In severe cases and widespread infection there may be:
Chills and fever
Malaise
Skin sloughing
Hemorrhage
Hypotension
Causes
Damage to skin from insect bite
Excoriation or scratch of skin
Other wounds
It is followed by infection with microbes: Staphylococci, Streptococci, Haemophilus
Diagnosis
- Blood cultures
- Complete blood count with differential
- Levels of creatinine, bicarbonate, CRP
- Imaging studies: USG and CT in severe cases
- Aspiration, dissection and biopsy
Treatment
Antibiotic regimen depending upon culture and sensitivity: Cloxacillin, Amoxicillin, Cephalosporins or Macrolides
In severe cases hospital admission and initial course of parenteral antibiotics is required
If cellulitis is associated with abscess, drainage and surgical debridement may be necessary