Skin infection

Description

Cellulitis or skin infection, mostly cause by bacteria. Bacteria may enter into the skin through the cut or sting of an insect and spread over deeper tissues, causing the infection. If it is not treated with antibiotics, the infection can spread to the blood or lymph nodes. The most common causers are bacteriastaphylococcus and streptococcus.Special specie of staphylococcus called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is becoming more common causes. Persons with immune system depression, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, chronic use of steroids and autoimmune diseases have greater possibility for development of cellulitis.

Symptoms

Infected skin becomes painful, red, warm on touch and swollen. If close lymphatic channels are infected, red streaks, going along the arm or leg, can be seen. These red streaks are called lymphangitis. Patients can also have fever and feel exhaustion.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Blood analysis and blood culture are being done.

Specialists

General Practice, Infectology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Cleaning and bandaging of cut or scratch. Removal of sting if the infection is caused by sting of an insect. Antibiotics are usually recommended and they can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the intensity of the infection. Usually are prescribed: cephalexin, clindamycin or clarithromycin. Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole / Bactrim, vankomycin, tigecycline / Tygacil or linezolid / Zenix are prescribed if there is a suspicion on the MRSA.