Cellulitis in medical terminology refers to a purulent inflammatory process that occurs in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. The danger of this disease lies in the fact that the pus is not encapsulated (as in an abscess) and therefore spreads quickly to healthy tissues.
Causes
As with any inflammatory process, the cause of cellulitis development is pathogenic microorganisms – streptococci and staphylococci.
Entry of the infectious agent into the subcutaneous adipose space can occur due to the following reasons:
- Various injuries, including dog bites or cat scratches
- Surgical interventions
- Chronic dermatological diseases that disrupt the integrity of the skin (for example, psoriasis or eczema)
- Inadequate skin care in certain infectious diseases (for example, chickenpox or fungal infections)
- Purulent bone diseases (for example, osteomyelitis) can provoke the development of cellulitis. As with any inflammatory process, the cause of cellulitis development
Diagnosis of Cellulitis in Israel
Cellulitis can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- Pain along the course of the inflammatory process
- The skin over the inflamed areas is hyperemic, with local temperature elevation
- Body temperature also rises to 37-38 degrees Celsius
- Swelling is observed at the site of entry of the infectious agent into the subcutaneous adipose space
- Patients report the appearance of blisters on the skin, from which clear (lymph) or purulent contents are released.
Timely diagnosis of cellulitis at the Ichilov clinic will ensure all patients a quick and quality recovery. Thanks to the latest medical equipment, a series of diagnostic studies will be conducted:
- Dopplerography
- Duplex angioscanning of veins
- Radionuclide and radiocontrast methods to study blood distribution in vessels using a contrast marker;
- Phlebography
- Reovasography
- Computed tomography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Coagulogram.
In addition to collecting medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in phlebology, dermatology, surgery, and anesthesiology are conducted at the Ichilov clinic.
Treatment of cellulitis in Israel focuses on eliminating the source of the disease – the pathogenic microorganism. For this purpose, the Ichilov clinic will individually select and prescribe antibiotic therapy for the patient. If the cause of cellulitis is autoimmune processes, anti-inflammatory medications in combination with corticosteroids are prescribed.
It is very important for the patient to strictly follow the doctor's instructions. Cellulitis can complicate with the development of thrombophlebitis or meningitis if not detected and treated in a timely manner. Surgical treatment of cellulitis involves draining the purulent contents and sanitizing the wound.
Prevention
Preventing the appearance of cellulitis is quite easy. First of all, one should monitor the condition of the skin, especially those parts of the body that remain uncovered by clothing. The skin should always be kept clean. However, constant disinfection of the skin is also unfavorable: it can disrupt the natural skin microflora.