Cellulitis is a spreading subcutaneous inflammation caused by haemolytic Streptococcus.Streptococci produce hyaluronidase and streptokinase. Net result is that the inflammatory exudate spreads in the subcutaneous and fascial planes resulting in a gross swelling of the affected part.Wherever there is loose subcutaneous tissue, as in scrotum or loose connective and interstitial tissue as in face and forearm,it spreads fast.
Sources of infection-
Injuries-minor or major
Graze or scratch
Snake bite, scorpion bite, etc.
Precipitating factors-
Diabetes
Low resistance of an individual
Common sites-
Lower limbs
Face
Scrotum
Clinical features-
The affected part shows evidence of inflammation such as redness and itching followed by diffuse swelling. Skin is stretched and shiny. Pain, fever, toxaemia follow later. In untreated cases, suppuration, sloughing and gangrene can occur.
Treatment-
•Bed rest with legs elevated. This reduces oedema of legs.
•Glycerine MgSO4 dressing which reduces oedema of the part by osmotic effect.
•Diabetes mellitus, if present, is treated with injection
insulin given subcutaneously.
•Appropriate antibiotics such as injection crystalline penicillin 10 lakh units, intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV), 6th hourly for 5-7 days or cephalosporins have to be given.
•Antisnake venom is given in snake bite cases.
