CELLULITIS

AND ABSCESS
Dr . Ahmed Ali M. Al-mehdar
-: CELLULITIS
It is an acute diffuse infection of the soft tissues

The tissues become grossly edematous

Hard to palpation (in the early stage )
Painful to palpation
The infection has not localized (diffused)
No presence of fluctuation
No or little pus
CILLULITIS OF FLOOR OF THE MOUTH
-: SEVERE SYSTEMIC REACTION

 Temperature is elevated
 White blood cell count is increased
 The differential count may be altered
 ESR is increased
 The patient experiences malaise

**in this stage the specific antibiotic and supportive

therapy can complete resolution of the infectious process
ABSCESS
It is localized infection of the soft tissues
containing pus

It is an acute
Not diffused (localized )
Fluctuated and painful to palpation
Soft
Method of treatment is surgery
BUCCAL SPACE ABSCESS
SPREAD OF THE INFECTION
Ptergomandepular space Infratemporal 
space

Buccal space infection

Submandibular space
infection

Sublingual Lateral pharyngeal

space space
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
CELLULITIS AND ABSCESS

Features cellulitis Abscess

• Duration • 3-7 days • More than 5

days
• Size • Large • Small

• location • Diffuse • Localize

• (circumscribed
 Features Cellulitis Abscess

• Palpation • Hard and • Fluctuant

tender (soft)

• Skin • Thickened, • Undermined

board and hard and shiny

• High
• temperature • Moderate
warm
 feature Cellulitis Abscess

• Loss of • Moderately
• Severe
function sever
• Tissue fluid • Pus
• Serosanguinous

• Bacteria • Anaerobic
• Mixed

• Degree of • Moderate to
seriousness • Very severe
severe