Cellulitis (cont.)
What are risk factors for cellulitis?
Some times cellulitis appears in areas where the skin has broken open, such as the skin near ulcers or surgical wounds. Many times, however, cellulitis occurs where there has been no break in the skin at all, such as with chronic leg swelling (edema).
People who have diabetes or conditions that compromise the function of the immune system (for example, HIV/AIDS or those receiving chemotherapy or drugs that depress the immune system) are particularly prone to developing cellulitis.
Conditions that reduce the circulation of blood in the veins or that reduce circulation of the lymphatic fluid (such as venous insufficiency, obesity, pregnancy, or surgeries) also increase the risk of developing cellulitis.
What causes cellulitis?
The majority of cellulitis infections are caused by either staph (Staphylococcus) or strep (Streptococcus) bacteria.
Staph (Staphylococcus aureus) is the most common bacteria that causes cellulitis. There is a growing incidence of community-acquired infections due to methicillin-resistant
S. aureus (MRSA), a particularly dangerous form of this bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and is more difficult to treat.
Strep (usually group A or B
Streptococcus) is also a common cause of cellulitis. A form of rather superficial cellulitis caused by strep is called erysipelas; it is characterized by spreading hot, bright red circumscribed area on the skin with a sharp raised border. The so-called "flesh-eating bacteria" are, in fact, also a strain of strep that can sometimes rapidly destroy tissues.
Cellulitis can be caused by many other types of bacteria. In children under 6
years of age, H. flu (Hemophilus influenzae) bacteria can cause cellulitis, especially on the face, arms, and upper torso. Cellulitis from a dog or cat bite or scratch may be caused by the
Pasteurella multocida bacteria, which has a very short incubation period of only four to 24 hours.
Aeromonas hydrophilia, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria are causes of cellulitis that develops after exposure to freshwater or seawater.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another type of bacteria that can cause cellulitis, typically after a puncture wound.
Next: Is cellulitis contagious? »
- penicillins-oral - Consumer information about the medication PENICILLINS - ORAL , includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug PENICILLINS - ORAL.
- Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Read about Staph infection symptoms, signs (boils, rash), causes (Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), types, treatment (antibiotics) and complications (impetigo, cellulitis).
- penicillins-injection - Consumer information about the medication PENICILLINS - INJECTION , includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug PENICILLINS - INJECTION.
Latest Medical News
Skin RSS