Cellulitis, also known
as erysipelas, is a spreading inflammation
of tissue, most commonly the skin. Some
germs, particularly the streptococci, produce
powerful enzymes that break down the natural
barriers to spreading bacteria in the tissue.
This allows infection to spread
Causes
Cellulitis is caused by infection, usually
with the streptococcus virus.
Treatment
Cellulitis almost
always responds readily and quickly to antibiotic
drugs. In severe cases these antibiotics
are given by injection directly into a vein
for a few days, followed by oral antibiotic
pills for one or two weeks.
Symptoms
Cellulitis starts
with a contaminated scratch, prick or cut
and quickly spreads to cause a hot, red,
spreading area on the skin. You may also
be able to see red streaks extending along
the lymph drainage channels towards the
lymph nodes.
Cellulitis in the
leg spreads to affect the lymph nodes in
the groin, which become enlarged, easily
felt and tender. In the arm the nodes are
in the armpit. Cellulitis on the face may
cause enlargement of a lymph node in front
of the ear or in the neck.
A person with cellulitis
may have a high fever and will feel very
unwell.
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Cellulitis
