Diagnosis & Treatment of Cellulitis

 

Diagnosis & Treatment: Cellulitis.

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects the lower legs, but can also occur on other parts of the body. It is caused by a bacterial infection that enters the skin through a cut, scrape, insect bite, or other opening.

Symptoms of cellulitis may include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and pain in the affected area. The skin may also feel tight and appear shiny, and there may be red streaks or blisters.

fever, chills, and other systemic symptoms may occur.

Diagnosis of cellulitis is usually made based on the clinical appearance of the affected area and the patient's symptoms. Sometimes, a skin culture may be taken to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment for cellulitis typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, antibiotics may be given orally(eg.Cefuroxime,Cefepime etc) or intravenously (IV)eg.Ceftriaxone. It is important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

In addition to antibiotics, supportive care may be recommended to reduce symptoms and promote healing. This may include elevating the affected area, applying warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

It is important to monitor the infection closely and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment. In some cases, cellulitis can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, so prompt treatment is essential. Additionally, people with recurrent or severe cellulitis may need further evaluation to identify underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the infection.