What Is Infectious Cellulitis?
Infectious cellulitis is a disease of the skin caused by a bacterial infection. The condition causes redness, swelling and pain in the area of infection. Cellulitis is treatable with antibiotics, but it can be life-threatening if you do not seek medical assistance after symptoms occur.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms are read, swollen skin at the infection site. Your body's immune system attacks the bacteria, which leads to heat and fever. Small bumps or blisters may appear on the swollen area after several days.
Causes
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Two types of bacteria cause infectious cellulitis--streptococcus and staphylococcus. Depending on how sensitive the infection is to antibiotics, it could be a more dangerous disease called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
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Transmission
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The bacteria, which normally is present on your skin, enters your body through wounds on your skin, such as insect bites, trauma, scratches and surgery. Although infection can occur anywhere on your body, cellulitis is most common on your lower legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Diagnosis
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Your doctor will run blood tests to confirm suspicion of cellulitis. The lab will evaluate your blood to determine the type of bacteria and any antibiotic resistance.
Treatment
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Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. If you develop bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), your doctor may prescribe intravenous antibiotics.
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