What is Cellulitis?
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 12:56 pm
Hello
While cuts and punctures of the skin are the most frequent means of contracting cellulitis, other conditions may also cause this infection. People who have athlete's foot, leading to dry cracked skin, are at risk. Children and adults with chicken pox can also be vulnerable, if the pocks are scratched.Since cellulitis spreads quickly and can lead to more serious infections, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted it. Along with the symptoms listed above, cellulitis may also cause fever, chills and swollen glands. One may also observe red streaks around the affected area.Untreated, cellulitis can cause multiple and very serious complications. Strep cells released into the bloodstream can result in cardiac impairment, as they grow tissue in the heart muscle, a condition known as bacterial endocarditis. Infections of the lymph nodes may need to be drained.
While cuts and punctures of the skin are the most frequent means of contracting cellulitis, other conditions may also cause this infection. People who have athlete's foot, leading to dry cracked skin, are at risk. Children and adults with chicken pox can also be vulnerable, if the pocks are scratched.Since cellulitis spreads quickly and can lead to more serious infections, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have contracted it. Along with the symptoms listed above, cellulitis may also cause fever, chills and swollen glands. One may also observe red streaks around the affected area.Untreated, cellulitis can cause multiple and very serious complications. Strep cells released into the bloodstream can result in cardiac impairment, as they grow tissue in the heart muscle, a condition known as bacterial endocarditis. Infections of the lymph nodes may need to be drained.