What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?

What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?

Symptoms often begin just as for cellulitis (see Bacterial Skin Infections: Cellulitis). The skin may look pale at first, but quickly becomes red or bronze and warm to the touch, and sometimes becomes swollen.

When to consider Serratia marcescens for cellulitis?

Serratia marcescens skin infection should be considered in cases of cellulitis in immunocompromised patients when conventional antibiotics are not effective.

What happens if cellulitis is left untreated?

The affected area is hot, tender, swollen and red, and there may be fever and chills. Untreated cellulitis at the site of a wound may progress to bacteraemia and septicaemia or, occasionally, to gangrene. Cellulitis is usually more severe in people with reduced immune response, such as those with type II diabetes or an immunodeficiency disorder.

How does cellulitis spread to the skeletal structures?

Lesions may drain spontaneously but may also lead to deeper infection with the development of bacteremia and the risk of metastatic staphylococcal infection to vascular or skeletal sites. Facial lesions, especially if manipulated, may spread to the cavernous sinus through the facial venous structures.

But if severe or if left untreated, it can spread into your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Pictured here is mild cellulitis (left) and severe cellulitis (right). Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The affected skin appears swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch.

Cellulitis 1 Overview. Cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin. 2 Symptoms. It’s important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout your body. 3 Causes. 4 Risk factors. 5 Complications. 6 Prevention.

How does cellulitis affect the lymphatic system?

Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb. Rarely, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It’s an extreme emergency.

What causes a break in the skin called cellulitis?

Conditions such as eczema, athlete’s foot and shingles can cause breaks in the skin, which give bacteria an entry point. Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema). This condition sometimes follows surgery. History of cellulitis.