Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Cellulitis Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Cellulitis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic study of choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

MRI

Ultrasound

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

CDC on Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis in the news

Blogs on Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Directions to Hospitals Treating Cellulitis

Risk calculators and risk factors for Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis

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 of the skin are the most common means of contracting cellulitis. Other conditions may also lead to the condition. Staph.aureus and Group A Streptococci are the most common microbes causing infection. When they invade skin they release toxins which cause local erythema, pain and induration. With a course of oral antibiotics it resolves.[1] Cellulitis spreads fairly fast with no treatment and can lead to multiple complications which can be very serious threat.

Complications

Cellulitis can be complicated by the development of:

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.

References

  1. 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.
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000855.htm

Template:WH Template:WS