CELLULITIS
Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial skin infection
- Appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot & tender & it may spread rapidly
- Skin on lower legs is most commonly affected, though Cellulitis can occur anywhere on your body or face
- It may affect only your skin's surface or it may also affect tissues underlying your skin& can spread to your lymph nodes & into your bloodstream
- If not treated with antibiotics, the infection may rapidly turn life-threatening
- So it's urgent that you see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear
CAUSES
Known injury
Any cut, fracture, burn or even a scrape increases your risk of Cellulitis
because the injury gives bacteria an entry point.
Skin conditions
Certain skin disorders cause breaks in the skin & increase your risk of cellulitis
- Dry skin
- Eczema
- Flaky skin
- Athlete's foot
- Chicken Pox
- Shingles
- Swollen skin
Weakened Immune System
Conditions that weaken your immune system leave
you more susceptible to infections
Possible conditions include
- Diabetes
- Chronic leukemias
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Circulation disorders
- Use of medications like corticosteroids
INTRAVENOUS DRUG USE
People who inject illicit drugs
have a higher risk
of developing cellulitis
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SYMPTOMS
- Redness which may expand & take-on small red spots or small blisters that
may burst - Swelling
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Warmth
- Fever
Go to the Emergency Room if it's after doctor's hours
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WHEN YOU SEE A DOCTOR
- Make sure to tell the doctor if you are a Diabetic or if you have any allergies
including over-the-counter creams or ointments - If you've treated the rash with any creams or ointments tell the doctor
- The doctor may elect to run a blood test or an ultra sound to help rule out DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) especially if you have travelled by air that week
- You will be given oral antibiotics & possibly a anti-biotic cream
- The doctor will advise that you minimiize walking & try to keep our leg elevated
- If any of the symptoms increase contact your doctor because you may need
to have a series of IV antibiotics before you restart the oral antibiotics - If you travel by air after completing the antibiotics & you're not healed within a week, the doctor may want to give you another test for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- If you're not completely healed a week after you complete your antibiotics see
your doctor to make sure additional oral antibiotics are not warranted
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For more information on DVT visit
Thrombosis & Pulmonary Embolism
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For Exercises to do while flying
to diminish your chances to get DVT visit
Airplane Exercises
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Return to Health Challenges Directory
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