How to Manage a Patient With Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin. The patient may have a fever as well as symptoms including skin that is red, swollen, tender and warm. The infected area may spread and have the presence of small red spots. This condition can occur anywhere on the body, but commonly occurs in the legs. Cellulitis can turn into a life-threatening condition if not treated properly. Managing a patient with cellulitis involves infection control, medication administration, monitoring for improvement, treating underlying conditions and preventing recurrent episodes of cellulitis.
Instructions
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Wash your hands with soap and water before examining the patient's cellulitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is unlikely, but possible, to pass the infection to others.
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Instruct the patient to take his antibiotics on time and to finish the entire dose even if he feels better. Inform the patient's doctor if the patient has side effects related to the antibiotics that he is unable to tolerate.
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Monitor the patient for signs of worsening cellulitis or an infection which can include the presence of a fever, increased pain, abnormal discharge, chills and an expanding red-colored area that is swollen, tender and warm. Report these signs to the patient's physician.
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4
Contact the patient's physician if the area of cellulitis doesn't respond to treatment after two to three days.
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Treat underlying conditions that may have caused the cellulitis. These conditions can include skin abrasions, insect or spider bites, poorly controlled diabetes, skin ulcers, chickenpox, shingles, lymphedema and fungal infections of the feet or toes.
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Raise the infected arm or leg above the level of the heart to reduce swelling and pain. Instruct the patient to apply warm moist compresses to the infected area to decrease pain.
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Educate the patient about preventing recurrent episodes of cellulitis which can include keeping skin clean, moisturizing skin, properly cleaning any wounds, covering wounds with a bandage and changing wound dressings as needed.
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Educate the patient on complications associated with untreated or poorly treated cellulitis. According to the National Institute of Health, this infection can cause a bone infection, inflammation of the lymph vessels, meningitis, a blood infection and tissue death.
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