Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis: Difference between revisions

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{{Cellulitis}}
{{Cellulitis}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} [[User:Aditya Govindavarjhulla|Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.]]


{{CMG}}, '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[User:Aditya Govindavarjhulla|Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.]]
==Overview==
==Overview==
Cellulitis results in activation of the body's inflammatory response mechanisms. When the immune system cannot respond adequately, it can spread systemically through the blood stream.
Cellulitis can be complicated by the development of sepsis, osteomyelitis, lymphangitis, endocarditis, [[meningitis]], and gangrene.   The prognosis of cellulitis is good provided the patient starts on an antibiotic treatment regimen.


==Natural history==
==Natural History==
Cuts and wounds of the skin are the most common means of contracting cellulitis. Other conditions may also lead to the condition. Staph.aureus and Group A Streptococci are the most common microbes causing infection. When they invade skin they release toxins which cause local erythema, pain and induration. With a course of oral antibiotics it resolves.<ref name="pmid21410612">{{cite journal| author=Bailey E, Kroshinsky D| title=Cellulitis: diagnosis and management. | journal=Dermatol Ther | year= 2011 | volume= 24 | issue= 2 | pages= 229-39 | pmid=21410612 | doi=10.1111/j.1529-8019.2011.01398.x | pmc= | url= }} </ref>  
Cuts and wounds on the skin are the most common means of contracting cellulitis. Other conditions may also lead to the condition. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococci are the most common causative agents of infection. When the bacteria invades the skin, they release toxins which cause local [[erythema]], [[pain]], and [[induration]]. With a course of oral antibiotic treatment, cellulitis can be cured.<ref name="pmid21410612">{{cite journal| author=Bailey E, Kroshinsky D| title=Cellulitis: diagnosis and management. | journal=Dermatol Ther | year= 2011 | volume= 24 | issue= 2 | pages= 229-39 | pmid=21410612 | doi=10.1111/j.1529-8019.2011.01398.x | pmc= | url= }} </ref>  
Cellulitis spreads fairly fast with no treatment and can lead to multiple complications which can be very serious threat.
Cellulitis spreads fairly fast, and if the disease is not treated it can lead to multiple serious complications.


==Complications==
===Complications===
* Blood infection (sepsis)
Cellulitis can be complicated by the development of:
* Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
* Blood infection ([[sepsis]])
* Inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis)
* Bone infection ([[osteomyelitis]])
* Inflammation of the heart (endocarditis)
* Inflammation of the lymph vessels ([[lymphangitis]])
* Inflammation of the heart ([[endocarditis]])
* Meningitis
* Meningitis
* Shock
* Shock
* Tissue death (gangrene)
* Tissue death ([[gangrene]])


==Prognosis==
===Prognosis===
Cellulitis is not a self limiting condition. It has to be treated with antibiotics. Treatment with oral antibiotics for a period of week or 10 days usually resolves the infection.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm </ref> In immunodeficient individuals it takes time to heal and may not be resolved completely at times. Long course of antibiotics are needed in few. In few untreated or resistant cases it may lead to further complications. Some people are prone for recurrent infections at the same site which may lead to permanent skin changes. In few complicated gangrenes may cause loss of limb even.
Cellulitis usually subsides within 7-10 days of antibiotic use.<ref>http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm </ref> Longer treatment may be needed if the cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if the patient has a chronic disease or their immune system is not working properly. People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps recurring. The cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allow bacterial entry into the skin.


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Disease]]
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[[Category:Diseases involving the fasciae]]
[[Category:Diseases involving the fasciae]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Overview complete]]
 
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Latest revision as of 15:11, 13 January 2021

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.

Overview

Cellulitis can be complicated by the development of sepsis, osteomyelitis, lymphangitis, endocarditis, meningitis, and gangrene. The prognosis of cellulitis is good provided the patient starts on an antibiotic treatment regimen.

Natural History

Cuts and wounds on the skin are the most common means of contracting cellulitis. Other conditions may also lead to the condition. Staphylococcus aureus and Group A Streptococci are the most common causative agents of infection. When the bacteria invades the skin, they release toxins which cause local erythema, pain, and induration. With a course of oral antibiotic treatment, cellulitis can be cured.[1] Cellulitis spreads fairly fast, and if the disease is not treated it can lead to multiple serious complications.

Complications

Cellulitis can be complicated by the development of:

Prognosis

Cellulitis usually subsides within 7-10 days of antibiotic use.[2] Longer treatment may be needed if the cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if the patient has a chronic disease or their immune system is not working properly. People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps recurring. The cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allow bacterial entry into the skin.

References

  1. Bailey E, Kroshinsky D (2011). "Cellulitis: diagnosis and management". Dermatol Ther. 24 (2): 229–39. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2011.01398.x. PMID 21410612.
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm

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