PATHOPHYSIOLOGY ON CELLULITIS ON LEFT FACIAL AREA

LEGENDS:
Signs and Symptoms-
Medications-
Complications-
Manifested by patient- Red
Undergone by patient- Blue
Disease process-

PPRECIPITATING FACTORS:
PPREDISPOSING FACTORS:  Exposure to bacteria (group A
streptococcus or staphylococcus
 Heredity (family history
aureus bacteria)
of cellulitis)
 Overweight status
 Old age
 Injury (Any cut, fracture, burn,
 Conditions that weaken
surgery, or scrape gives bacteria
the immune system such
an entry point.
as diabetes, HIV, and
 Use of corticosteroid medicines
lymphedema
or other medicines that suppress
 Pre-existing skin
the immune system
conditions like athlete’s
 Injection drug use
foot, eczema, chickenpox
and shingles  Malnourishment
 Cut

Entry of bacteria (usually streptococcus or staphylococcus through Fracture

a break in the skin barrier.
Burn
Scrape
Surgery
Bacteria enters into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue.

Infection in the deep dermis Infection spreads to

antibiotics nearby lymph nodes lymphadenitis
and subcutaneous fat
(Cellulitis)

Damaged cells release molecules called DAMPs and microbes Infection spreads to
release PAMPs nearby lymph nodes

Molecules are recognized by receptors on leukocytes like Ascending lymphangitis

macrophage and dendritic cells

Production of cytokines
 Activated macrophage release inflammatory lipid mediators.

Erythema
Release of
Increase Warmth prostaglandins
Histamine blood flow
binding with Vasodilation
endothelial Decrease Decrease
cells vascular blood
Septic
resistance pressure Shock
Pain Detected by the
hypothalamus
Retraction of
Margination
endothelial cells
Decrease
cardiac
output NSAIDs Increase in
temperature
Increased
Rolling permeability

Edema Fever

Exudation of Fluid collects in the

space surrounding Lack of blood
plasma fluid and oxygen
Adhesions to blood vessel
supply to the
cells
 Diapedesis Systemic Confirmed infection
Inflammatory through diagnostics tests:
Response  WBC count
Syndrome (SIRS) laboratory results
Acute
Respiratory  Sputum test
 Blood culture
Chemotaxis Distress
 Stool sample
Syndrome

Neutrophils release highly Coagulation are Sepsis

reactive species in a Causes damage all used up by
phenomenon called oxidative to nearby blood trying to patch
burst vessels up damaged
blood vessel

As the pathogens invades, it

Abscess overwhelms the defensive cells
formation that normally contain and
Disseminated
localize inflammation.
Intravascular
coagulation

Cellulitis progresses and the

pathogen spreads to surrounding
tissues
 Without
With Interventions
Interventions

Diagnostic Tests
 Complete Blood Count Bacteremia
 Blood Culture
 Levels of creatinine
 Ultrasonography
 Skin test
 Bacterial Culture

Distant spread Distant spread

Medical Management Septic Shock
to bone to endocardium
Medications
 Antibiotics
 NSAIDs
Osteomyelitis Endocarditis

Bad prognosis
Nursing Interventions
 Relieving pain
 Maintaining tissue integrity
 Alleviating hyperthermia
 Monitoring and managing
potential complications
 Advised the S/O to prevent
pressures being put on the
area of the swelling on the
face.
 Instructed the patients
caregiver to keep the area of
the skin clean and well
moisturized.

Good prognosis