You are viewing the article How To Treat Cellulitis at Tnhelearning.edu.vn you can quickly access the necessary information in the table of contents of the article below.
This article was co-written by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Lydia Shedlofsky is a dermatology resident who joined Affiliated Dermatpogy in July 2019 after completing a traditional rotational internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Guilford University in Greensboro, North Carpina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, working as a research assistant and intern at a freelance clinic. She completed her second degree and then studied for a master’s degree in medical education and a doctorate in Osteopathy Medicine from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathy Medicine.
There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 14,573 times.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when an open wound (cut, scratch, or lesion) comes in contact with bacteria. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are the two most common strains of bacteria that cause cellulitis. Cellulitis caused by these two bacteria is usually marked by a red, itchy, and burning rash. The rash will then spread and lead to a fever. If not treated properly, cellulitis can lead to complications such as sepsis in the bones, meningitis, or infection of the lymphatic vessels. Therefore, you need to get medical attention right away if you notice the first symptoms of cellulitis.
Steps
Receiving diagnosis
- Open wound. Cuts, burns or abrasions will break the skin and allow bacteria to enter.
- Eczema, chickenpox, shingles or peeling skin in case of very dry skin. When the outermost layer of the skin is not intact, bacteria will have a chance to enter.
- Weakened immune system. Your risk of skin infections is higher if you have HIV/AIDS, diabetes, kidney disease, or diseases that affect the immune system.
- Lymphedema, a chronic swelling of the legs or arms, causes the skin to crack and become susceptible to infection.
- Obesity is one of the risk factors for cellulitis.
- If you’ve had cellulitis in the past, you’re more likely to get it again.
- A red, itchy, and burning rash that then spreads and swells. Skin tends to stretch.
- Pain and tenderness around the area of infection.
- Chills, fatigue, and fever as the infection spreads.
- Talk to your doctor about the symptoms and signs of cellulitis you notice.
- In addition to conducting a physical exam, your doctor may conduct additional tests such as a Complete Blood Test (CBC) or a blood culture.
Coping with cellulitis
Treatment and prevention of cellulitis
- Your doctor may recommend that you take 500 mg of Cephalexin every 6 hours. If MRSA infection is suspected, your doctor may prescribe Bactrim, Clindamycin, Doxycycline, or Minocycline. Bactrim is the most commonly prescribed medication for MRSA infections.
- Your doctor will suggest monitoring your condition for 2-3 days. If your illness goes into remission, you’ll need to take the full course of antibiotics (usually for 14 days) to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria. Do not stop taking antibiotics or skip doses to avoid reinfection.
- Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if you are healthy and have only a skin infection. However, if the infection is deeper and accompanied by other symptoms, taking antibiotics will not be strong enough to kill the bacteria.
- Wash the wound with soap and water. Wash the wound daily until it is completely healed. [9] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source
- If the wound is large or deep, cover it with sterile gauze. Change the dressing daily until the wound heals.
- Put your feet on the pillow when you sleep.
- Moisturizes skin to prevent flaking. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. [11] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- Protect your feet by wearing socks and boots.
- Avoid cutting the skin when trimming toenails.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly to prevent a more serious infection. [12] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source
- Treat lymphedema so that the skin does not crack.
- Avoid activities that damage your feet (eg, hiking through rocky areas, gardening, etc.).
Advice
- Recurrent cellulitis can be prevented by protecting the skin. Always clean the wound with soap and water, then cover the wound.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions when treating cellulitis. You may even need to see a specialist, such as an infectious disease doctor, if you have severe cellulitis.
This article was co-written by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Lydia Shedlofsky is a dermatology resident who joined Affiliated Dermatpogy in July 2019 after completing a traditional rotational internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Guilford University in Greensboro, North Carpina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, working as a research assistant and intern at a freelance clinic. She completed her second degree and then studied for a master’s degree in medical education and a doctorate in Osteopathy Medicine from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathy Medicine.
There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 14,573 times.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when an open wound (cut, scratch, or lesion) comes in contact with bacteria. Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are the two most common strains of bacteria that cause cellulitis. Cellulitis caused by these two bacteria is usually marked by a red, itchy, and burning rash. The rash will then spread and lead to a fever. If not treated properly, cellulitis can lead to complications such as sepsis in the bones, meningitis, or infection of the lymphatic vessels. Therefore, you need to get medical attention right away if you notice the first symptoms of cellulitis.
Thank you for reading this post How To Treat Cellulitis at Tnhelearning.edu.vn You can comment, see more related articles below and hope to help you with interesting information.
Related Search: