What is cellulitis? What are cellulitis symptoms and signs?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Cellulitis usually
begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling, and redness that spreads to adjacent skin.
As this red area begins to enlarge, the affected person may develop a fever -- sometimes
with chills and sweats -- and swollen lymph nodes ("swollen glands") near the area of
infected skin.

Unlike impetigo, which is a very superficial skin infection, cellulitis is an infection that
also involves the skin's deeper layers: the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The main
bacteria responsible for cellulitis are Streptococcus and Staphylococcus ("staph"), the
same bacteria that can cause impetigo. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staph aureus) can
also cause cellulitis. Sometimes, other bacteria (for example, Hemophilus influenzae,
Pneumococcus, and Clostridium species) may cause cellulitis as well.

Where does cellulitis occur?

Cellulitis may occur anywhere on the body, but the lower leg is the most common site of
the infection (particularly in the area of the tibia or shinbone and in the foot), followed by
the arm, and then the head and neck areas. In special circumstances, such as following
surgery or trauma wounds, cellulitis can develop in the abdomen or chest areas. People
with morbid obesity can also develop cellulitis in the abdominal skin. Special types of
cellulitis are sometimes designated by the location of the infection. Examples include
periorbital (around the eye socket) cellulitis, buccal (cheek) cellulitis, facial cellulitis, and
perianal cellulitis.

What does cellulitis look like?

The signs of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in the involved tissues.
Any skin wound or ulcer that exhibits these signs may be developing cellulitis.

Other forms of noninfected inflammation may mimic cellulitis. People with poor leg
circulation, for instance, often develop scaly redness on the shins and ankles; this is
called "stasis dermatitis" and is often mistaken for the bacterial infection of cellulitis.
What are cellulitis risk factors?

Sometimes cellulitis appears in areas where the skin has broken open, such as the skin
near ulcers or surgical wounds. Many times, however, cellulitis occurs where there has
been no break in the skin at all, such as with chronic leg swelling (edema). A pre-existing
skin infection, such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis) or impetigo can predispose to the
development of cellulitis. Likewise, inflammatory conditions of the skin like eczema or
skin damage caused by radiation therapy can also increase a person's risk of contracting
cellulitis.

People who have diabetes or conditions that compromise the function of the immune
system (for example, HIV/AIDS or those receiving chemotherapy or drugs that depress
the immune system) are particularly prone to developing cellulitis.

Although cellulitis can occur in people of any age, it is most common in middle-aged and
elderly people.

Conditions that reduce the circulation of blood in the veins or that reduce circulation of
the lymphatic fluid (such as venous insufficiency, obesity, pregnancy, or surgeries) also
increase the risk of developing cellulitis.
What causes cellulitis?

The majority of cellulitis infections are caused by either strep (Streptococcus) or staph
(Staphylococcus) bacteria.

The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are beta-hemolytic streptococci (groups
A, B, C, G, and F). A form of rather superficial cellulitis caused by strep is called
erysipelas and is characterized by spreading hot, bright red circumscribed area on the skin
with a sharp, raised border. Erysipelas is common in young children. The so-called
"flesh-eating bacteria" are, in fact, also a strain of strep that can sometimes rapidly
destroy tissues underneath the skin.

Staph (Staphylococcus aureus), including methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), is another

common type of bacteria that causes cellulitis. There is a growing incidence of
community-acquired infections due to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), a
particularly dangerous form of this bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and is
more difficult to treat.

Cellulitis can be caused by many other types of bacteria. In children under 6 years of age,
H. flu (Hemophilus influenzae) bacteria can cause cellulitis, especially on the face, arms,
and upper torso. Cellulitis from a dog or cat bite or scratch may be caused by the
Pasteurella multocida bacteria, which has a very short incubation period of only four to
24 hours. Aeromonas hydrophilia, Vibrio vulnificus, and other bacteria are causes of
cellulitis that develops after exposure to freshwater or seawater. Pseudomonas
aeruginosa is another type of bacteria that can cause cellulitis, typically after a puncture
wound.

Is cellulitis contagious?

Cellulitis is not contagious because it is an infection of the skin's deeper layers (the
dermis and subcutaneous tissue), and the skin's top layer (the epidermis) provides a cover
over the infection. In this regard, cellulitis is different from impetigo, in which there is a
very superficial skin infection that can be contagious.

How is cellulitis diagnosed, and what is the treatment for cellulitis?

First, it is crucial for the doctor to distinguish whether or not the inflammation is due to
an infection. The history and physical exam can provide clues in this regard, as can
sometimes an elevated white blood cell count. A culture for bacteria may also be of
value, but in many cases of cellulitis, the concentration of bacteria may be low and
cultures fail to demonstrate the causative organism.

When it is difficult or impossible to distinguish whether or not the inflammation is due to

an infection, doctors sometimes treat with antibiotics just to be sure. If the condition does
not respond, it may need to be addressed by different methods dealing with types of
inflammation that are not infected. For example, if the inflammation is thought to be due
to an autoimmune disorder, treatment may be with a corticosteroid.

Antibiotics, such as derivatives of penicillin or other types of antibiotics that are effective
against the responsible bacteria, are used to treat cellulitis. If the bacteria turn out to be
resistant to the chosen antibiotics or in patients who are allergic to penicillin, other
appropriate antibiotics can be substituted. In many cases, treatment requires the
administration of intravenous antibiotics in a hospital setting, since oral antibiotics may
not always provide sufficient penetration of the injury to be effective. In certain cases,
intravenous antibiotics can be administered at home.

In all cases, physicians choose a treatment based upon many factors, including the
location and extent of the infection, the type of bacteria causing the infection, and the
overall health status of the patient.

Cellulitis At A Glance

• Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.
• Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the types of bacteria that are usually
responsible for cellulitis, although many types of bacteria can cause the condition.
• Sometimes cellulitis appears in areas where the skin has broken open, such as the
skin near ulcers or surgical wounds.
• Cellulitis is not contagious.
• Cellulitis is treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues that can affect any area of the
body. It often begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch. Then bacteria invade
and spread, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.

Causes

Conditions that create breaks in the skin and allow bacteria to enter, such as eczema and
severe acne, will put a child at risk for cellulitiscellulitis. Chickenpox, scratched
insect bites, animal bites, and puncture wounds are other causes.

Cellulitis also can form in areas of intact skin, especially in people who have diabetes or
who are taking medicines that suppress the immune system.

Cellulitis requires particularly close monitoring when it infects the eyelid and tissues
surrounding the eye. It can be the result of minor trauma to the area around the eye (such
as an insect bite or a scratch) or might be an extension of another infection, such as
sinusitis. This kind of cellulitis is treated with antibiotics and close follow-up. If
untreated, it can progress to a more serious infection that affects vision.

Symptoms
 Cellulitis, which is not contagious, usually begins as a small,
inflamed area of pain, swelling, warmth, and redness on the skin. As this red area begins
to spread, the child may begin to feel sick and develop a fever, sometimes with chills and
sweats. Swollen lymph nodes (commonly called swollen glands) are sometimes found
near the area of infected skin.

Prevention

You can prevent cellulitis by protecting your child's skin from cuts, bruises, and scrapes.
This may not be easy, especially with active kids who love to explore or play sports.
Protective equipment worn to prevent other injuries also can protect skin, such as elbow
and knee pads for skating, a helmet for bike riding, shin guards for soccer, long pants and
long-sleeved shirts for hiking in the woods, sandals (not bare feet) on the beach, and
seatbelts while riding in a motor vehicle.

If your child does get a scrape, wash the wound well with soap and water. Apply an
antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with an adhesive bandage or gauze. Contact
your doctor if your child has a large cut, deep puncture wound, or bite (animal or human).

Diagnosis

The incubation period for cellulitis varies, depending on the type of bacteria causing it.
Your doctor can diagnose cellulitis by asking a few questions and examining the area of
affected skin.

Sometimes, especially in younger kids, a blood culture may be done to check for bacteria
growth. A positive blood culture means that bacteria from the skin infection have spread
into the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia. This can potentially lead to
septicemia, an infection affecting many systems of the body.

Treatment
A child with severe cellulitis may be treated in the hospital using intravenous (IV)
antibiotics. Kids with milder cellulitis can be treated at home with antibiotics. The doctor
also may recommend keeping the affected part of the body immobilized and elevated to
reduce swelling and pain. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help
reduce discomfort.

After 1 or 2 days on antibiotics at home, a child will return to see the doctor, who'll check
to see that the area of cellulitis has improved and that the antibiotics are working to heal
the infection.

When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor whenever any area of your child's skin becomes red, warm, and painful —
with or without fever and chills. This is especially important if the affected skin is on the
face or if your child has a chronic illness (like diabetes) or a condition that suppresses the
immune system.

Because cellulitis can happen very quickly after an animal bite, call the doctor if your
child is bitten by an animal, especially if the puncture wound is deep. Human bites also
can cause skin infections and should be seen by a doctor. If red streaks develop from the
infected area or symptoms worsen despite antibiotic treatment, your child should be re-
examined.
Ang ibig sabihin ng diarrhea o pagtatae ay kapag malabnaw o halos tubig ang tae ng tao
s'ya ay may diarrhea o nagtatae. Kapag may plema o dugo ang tae s'ya ay may
disenterya.

Ang pagtatae ay maaaring mahina o malakas. Puwede rin biglaan at malubha o kaya'y
paulit-ulit( tumatagal ng ilang araw)
Ang pagtatae ay mas karaniwan at mas peligroso sa mga bata,lalo na sa mga batang di
malusog.
Maraming dahilan ang pagtatae. Kung minsan kailangan nito ang espesiyal na lunas.
Gayunman,karamihan sa klase ng pagtatae ay madaling magagamot sa bahay,hindi man
natitiyak kung ano ang tunay na dahilan nito.
Maraming dahilan ang pagtatae. Kung minsan kailangan nito ang espesiyal na lunas.
Gayunman,karamihan sa klase ng pagtatae ay madaling magagamot sa bahay,hindi man
natitiyak kung ano ang tunay na dahilan nito.

An increased frequency or decreased consistency of bowel movements.

ANOTHER ANSWER:
Ang diarrhea (pagtatae) ay loose bowel movement o sunod-sunod na pagdumi na
maaaring sanhi ng impeksyon sa bituka (gastroenteritis). Minsan sanhi ito ng bacteria,
bulate o allergy sa gatas at ilang pagkain.