Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis: Difference between revisions
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==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 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 goes away with 7 - 10 days of antibiotics. Longer treatment may be needed if cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if you have a chronic diseases or your immune system is not working properly. People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps coming back. The cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allows the bacteria entry to the skin. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 17:15, 20 July 2012
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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 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.
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 antibiotics 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:
- Blood infection (sepsis)
- Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
- Inflammation of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis)
- Inflammation of the heart (endocarditis)
- Meningitis
- Shock
- Tissue death (gangrene)
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.[2] 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 goes away with 7 - 10 days of antibiotics. Longer treatment may be needed if cellulitis is more severe. This may occur if you have a chronic diseases or your immune system is not working properly. People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps coming back. The cracks in the skin from the fungal infection allows the bacteria entry to the skin.
References
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm