Cellulitis history and symptoms

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

Overview

Cellulitis is most often a clinical diagnosis, and local cultures do not always identify the causative organism. Blood cultures are usually positive only if the patient develops generalized sepsis. Conditions that may resemble cellulitis include deep vein thrombosis, and stasis dermatitis.

History

Patients presenting with cellulitis often have a recent history of an injury in the affected area. Cellulitis can develop from neglected minor injuries that have become infected. The disease generally takes days after the initial injury to present, but it can progress rapidly in severe cases.

Co-morbid conditions are the most important factors to be looked at when cellulitis has developed. History of diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV infection, or any other immunodeficient condition are to be inquired about and noted in the patient's history.

History of other skin diseases such as any fungal infections, dermatitis, and venous insufficiency are to be obtained because they may have served as an entry point for the pathogen.

Past surgical history is also an important factor in determining the cause of a patient's cellulitis. Previous history of any lymph node dissection may be a risk factor because it points to an underlying condition that predisposes a person to infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Skin redness or inflammation that gets bigger as the infection spreads
• Skin sore or rash that starts suddenly, and grows quickly in the first 24 hours
• Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
• Warm skin in the the area of redness
• Signs of infection:
  • Chills or shaking
  • Fatigue
  • General ill feeling
  • Muscle aches and pains
• Warm skin
• Sweating
• Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:
  • Hair loss at the site of infection
  • Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint
  • Nausea and vomiting

References

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