Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues ( CREST 2005 )

It is a bacterial skin and soft tissue infection Generally affects the lower limbs Erysipelas - Greek erythros (red) + pella (skin ) is considered a subtypeEvidence suggests a large overlap between the two conditions Seen and managed frequently by different specialists as GPs, surgeons , general medics , and dermatologists Seen frequently in adults and a very common cause for admissionIn 2008-9 - 82 113 admissions in England and Wales mean length of stay of 7.2 days This is rising ( data from Australia and USA ) Approximately 7 % of all patients with cellulitis are hospitalised Significant resource and financial burden on healthcare systems- - common global burden

Streptococcus species - usually groups A ( S. pyogens for most cases ) Staphylococcus aureus Dog/ cat bite Pasteurella multocida , Capnocytophaga canimorus Less common Streptococcus pneuomoniae, Haeophilus influenzae, Gram negative bacillin , Anaerobes

Skin integrity Immunity Vasculature -Risk factor for development of cellulitis

Risk factors- Pregnant White race Venous / lymph insufficiency Lymphoedema Diabetes Old age Peripheral arterial disease. Previous h/o cellulitis Athletes foot Psoriasis Insect / animal bite Injection drug use Immunosuppression...