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What is Pathophysiology of Cellulitis?

Sarah Kay Moll
Sarah Kay Moll

The pathophysiology of cellulitis begins when bacteria enters the skin. This bacteria causes an infection, which may cause skin symptoms such as redness and swelling around the site of the infection. If the bacteria gets into the bloodstream or into the deeper layers of the skin, complications can occur. Typically, cellulitis is treated with antibiotics.

Several types of bacteria can set the pathophysiology of cellulitis into motion, the most common being streptococcus and staphylococcus. Areas where the skin is dry and flaking, broken, or wounded are the most likely sites for bacteria to enter the body. Insect bites may also transmit bacteria that can cause a skin infection.

An open wound that lets in bacteria can begin the process of cellulitis.
An open wound that lets in bacteria can begin the process of cellulitis.

The pathophysiology of cellulitis commonly starts out affecting the lower leg. The infected skin may be red, swollen, and painful to the touch. The red rash area may get worse or spread over time. A fever may accompany these symptoms. It is important to see a doctor early, before the cellulitis infection worsens and affects a larger area.

Any condition that causes chronic skin disruption, such as eczema, can increase the likelihood of a skin infection. Open wounds can leave a person vulnerable to bacteria entering the skin, as can intravenous drug use, because it constantly ruptures the skin. The cellulitis can be made more severe by a weakened immune system caused by conditions such as diabetes or HIV.

Would cellulitis may occur if an individual is bitten by a brown recluse spider.
Would cellulitis may occur if an individual is bitten by a brown recluse spider.

When cellulitis is not dealt with, it can become more severe, infecting the inner layers of the skin. If the bacteria reaches these lower layers, it can enter the lymph nodes and bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. Chronic or recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling of the infected area. In rare cases, the bacteria can spread to the fascial lining, a deep layer of skin tissue. This is a very severe complication and a medical emergency.

Chronic or recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling to the infected area.
Chronic or recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling to the infected area.

A doctor will examine the condition of the infected skin and possibly order blood tests to diagnose cellulitis. Often, tests are necessary to rule out conditions with similar symptoms, such as blood clots in the legs. A wound culture is another way physicians can check for infection.

The pathophysiology of cellulitis is typically treated before it reaches a severe and life-threatening stage. The most common cellulitis treatment is antibiotics, usually taken for 14 days. If oral antibiotics are not effective, a patient may be hospitalized and given intravenous antibiotics. The symptoms of cellulitis typically disappear after a few days of antibiotic treatment.

Discussion Comments

orangey03

I developed facial cellulitis, and at first I thought I was about to have a major pimple outbreak. The redness and swelling resembled the look and feel of a huge zit before it surfaces.

However, I soon knew that it had to be more than a pimple, because my tongue felt a bit swollen and sensitive. Also, the red area of my face burned.

Curious but not yet desperate enough for a doctor, I waited. Then, I developed a fever. I knew I had to go.

The doctor said it was facial cellulitis. The treatment for it was a 14-day course of antibiotics.

kylee07drg

I developed cellulitis and went to my doctor. He diagnosed me with a staph infection.

It started out as just little red bumps in the areas that I shave, so at first, I thought my skin was just irritated. When I started to develop pus-filled boils and blisters, I knew something else was going on.

He had to drain the pus. He put me on two different antibiotics. He said it was an MRSA infection, and that is very serious. Some strains of it have become resistant to antibiotics, and my doctor said that taking the wrong antibiotic could actually worsen the infection.

wavy58

I had cellulitis on my legs. The doctor said that the poor circulation in the area of my leg that was affected could have caused it.

He told me that cellulitis means simply inflammation of the cells. That is why the area looks so red and is tender to the touch. My leg felt very warm.

Two more alarming symptoms pointed to cellulitis. My skin leaked a yellowish fluid, and I developed large blisters.

The doctor made sure that I wasn't allergic to penicillin. He prescribed me an antibiotic, and the condition went away soon.

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    • An open wound that lets in bacteria can begin the process of cellulitis.
      By: Robert Kneschke
      An open wound that lets in bacteria can begin the process of cellulitis.
    • Would cellulitis may occur if an individual is bitten by a brown recluse spider.
      By: Jason Ormand
      Would cellulitis may occur if an individual is bitten by a brown recluse spider.
    • Chronic or recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling to the infected area.
      By: blueringmedia
      Chronic or recurrent cellulitis can damage the lymphatic system and cause chronic swelling to the infected area.
    • Some acute cases of cellulitis require antibiotics to be injected into an intravenous line.
      By: tawesit
      Some acute cases of cellulitis require antibiotics to be injected into an intravenous line.
    • Skin disorders like eczema can increase the chances of a skin infection.
      By: Jingling Water
      Skin disorders like eczema can increase the chances of a skin infection.
    • The pathophysiology of cellulitis commonly starts out affecting the lower leg.
      By: hriana
      The pathophysiology of cellulitis commonly starts out affecting the lower leg.
    • Strep often colonizes in a scrape, and then symptoms of cellulitis follow.
      By: WideAwake
      Strep often colonizes in a scrape, and then symptoms of cellulitis follow.
    • Insect bites may transmit bacteria that leads to cellulitis.
      By: Henrik Larsson
      Insect bites may transmit bacteria that leads to cellulitis.
    • Fever may accompany cellulitis.
      By: Piotr Wawrzyniuk
      Fever may accompany cellulitis.
    • Taking antibiotics for 14 days is the most common treatment for cellulitis.
      By: gilitukha
      Taking antibiotics for 14 days is the most common treatment for cellulitis.
    • Diabetics and others with chronic skin ulcers are at an increased risk of cellulitis.
      By: schankz
      Diabetics and others with chronic skin ulcers are at an increased risk of cellulitis.