Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Health
Why in News?
An observational study about cellulitis was published in The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds.
Cellulitis – It is a common bacterial skin infection.
Caused by –Streptococcus & staphylococcus bacteria.
Contagiousness – Usually, it is not contagious (not spread between people), except in rare cases of open wounds and skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s open wound.
Common Sites –It can affect the tissues beneath the skin, the face, arms, hands and fingers. It usually affects the legs, feet and toes and also affects just one side of the body.
Risk Factors –A person with skin wounds, compromised immune systems, poor skin hygiene, occupational exposure (field jobs, manual labour), diabetes mellitus and smoking.
Age & occupation trends –It was commonly seen in men, in the working age group, mainly in field jobs, mean age of around 36 years.
Symptoms – It includes
Pain, tenderness, oedema (swelling), warmth,
Discolouration (red, purple or slightly darker than your usual skin colour) that may look like a rash.
Fluid-filled blisters, the skin surface looks lumpy or pitted, like an orange's skin,
Fever, chills, fatigue.
Treatment –
Most cases are managed with oral antibiotics, for severe infections may require hospitalisation and IV antibiotics.
Home treatments - include warm compresses to reduce swelling, elevating the leg to improve blood flow, use of compression socks and gentle walking to reduce discomfort.
Additional advice - Rest and avoiding contact with the affected area helps prevent irritation and worsening of symptoms.
