Cellulitis

An observational study on cellulitis has been published in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds.

About Cellulitis

• Nature of Disease: Cellulitis is a non-contagious bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues.
  • It primarily affects the subcutaneous tissues and, if untreated, can spread to the lymphatic system and bloodstream.
• Causative Organisms: It is caused mostly by streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria.
• Commonly Affected Areas: The infection usually affects the legs, feet, and toes, but can also occur on the face, arms, hands, and fingers.
• Mode of Entry: Bacteria enter through broken skin, wounds, cuts, or areas of poor skin integrity.
• Risk Factors
  • Skin Injury: Presence of cuts, wounds, ulcers, or trauma significantly increases risk.
  • Compromised Immunity: Individuals with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or chronic illness are more vulnerable.
  • Poor Skin Hygiene: Inadequate hygiene can facilitate bacterial entry and infection.
  • Occupational Exposure: Field jobs involving physical labour increase risk due to frequent minor injuries.
  • Long-lasting (chronic) skin condition such as athlete’s foot, eczema or psoriasis.
• Features:
  • Local Symptoms: Infected skin appears discoloured, swollen, warm, tender, and painful.
  • Progressive Changes: As infection spreads, the discolouration darkens and swelling increases.
  • Systemic Symptoms: Patients may develop fever, chills, fatigue, and general malaise.
  • Severe Manifestations: Fluid-filled blisters, skin dimpling, abscess formation, and lymphatic spread may occur.
• Diagnosis: Primarily clinical; laboratory tests used only in severe or complicated cases
• Treatment: Most cases are treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Severe infections may require hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics.
• Prevention:
  • Skin Hygiene Measures: Regular handwashing, keeping skin clean and dry, and wearing clean clothes reduce risk.
  • Wound Care: Prompt cleaning of small cuts and wounds is essential.
• Cellulitis in India:
  • A March 2023 observational study found cellulitis to be more common in men of working age, with a mean age of around 36 years.
  • Occupational Link: Many affected individuals were engaged in field-based jobs, with trauma accounting for about 50% of cases.
  • Associated Condition: Diabetes mellitus and smoking were identified as important risk factors.
  • High-risk groups: Diabetics, elderly, people with chronic leg oedema, and manual labourers

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