Question:
What is CELLUCITIS?
Hi, I know what CELLULITE is but what is CELLUCITIS? Is it dangerous? — Kelly* P. (posted on October 26, 2002)
October 26, 2002
Cellutitis is a soft tissue infection--usually staph or strep. It can be
VERY dangerous if untreated!! When I was at my heaviest weight, I was
hospitalized 4 times with cellulitis. The first time I had it I didn't
know what it was and delayed going to the doctor for treatment--my leg
became hot, red, and swollen from my foot to my knee. My temperature was
105 and I was in bad shape. If I had delayed getting to the hospital any
longer it could have killed me. I couldn't walk from the pain in my leg
and it took two weeks of I-V antibiotics in the hospital to kick it. The
other times I knew what I was dealing with, and got to the hospital faster,
but it still was hospitalized on I-V antibiotics for a week each time. If
you suspect you have cellulitis go to your doctor IMMEDIATELY to get
antibiotics!! It probably doesn't affect everyone the same way, but I
think we obese people have impaired circulation and it hits us worse than
thinner people. Hope you don't have cellulitis. . .Good luck.
— Sarah S.
October 26, 2002
I think you are referring to cellulitis, which is a skin infection. It can
be pretty nasty, depending on what type of bug is in there. I had some
problem with lymphedema that made me prone to cellulitis and I was
hospitalized for it 6x in the last two years.
<p>
From Yahoo Health:<br>
Definition<br>
Cellulitis is an acute, non-contagious inflammation of the connective
tissue of the skin, resulting from staphylococcus, streptococcus, or other
bacterial infection (see also cellulitis - streptococcal).
<p>
Causes, incidence, and risk factors<br>
The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an
effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing within the
body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and
grow there, causing infection and tissue reaction to injury (inflammation).
The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, and painful.
<p>
Cellulitis is most common on the face and lower legs, although skin on
other areas of the body may be involved.
<p>
Risk factors for cellulitis include insect bites and stings, animal bite,
or human bite; injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds);
history of peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, or ischemic ulcers;
recent cardiovascular, pulmonary (lung), dental, or other procedures; and
use of immunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications.
— John Rushton
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