Cellulitis is a condition in which skin is effected by a bacterial infection. It can involve any area of body. The involved area is painful, red swollen and warm. It may even have lesions that may be weeping. It is usually an upper skin infection but may enter bloodstream through lymph nodes. It is seen in: patients of uncontrolled diabetes. immunocompromised, middle age, obese, pre-existing edema, past history of cellulitis, exposure to environmental elements like chemicals, polluted water, previous skin issues, lymphedema and IV drug use. Cause of cellulitis is mostly staph coccus or streptococcus group of bacteria. When due to any abrasion they enter skin they cause cellulitis. Diagnosis is usually clinical or can be done by doing culture sensitivity of the affected area. Treatment is done by keeping pt in hospital settings, relieving symptoms like fever and pain by using antipyretics and anti-inflammatories. Patient is kept hydrated and appropriate cover of iv antibiotics is provided. Cellulitis may get complicated by developing into sepsis and leading to multi organ shut down. This is the reason it is necessary to keep patient in observation.
