Understanding Cellulitis & Abscess: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Cellulitis and abscess are among the most common skin and soft tissue infections. Cellulitis manifests as an area of skin redness, edema, and warmth. Cellulitis develops as a result of bacterial entry via breaches in the skin barrier. A skin abscess is a collection of pus within the dermis or subcutaneous space.

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Signs & symptoms

Cellulitis and manifests as areas of skin redness, edema, and warmth. Systemic manifestations, including fever, chills, severe malaise, and headache might suggest a more severe cellulitis. A skin abscess is a collection of pus within the dermis or subcutaneous space. It manifests as a painful, fluctuant, red nodule, with or without surrounding cellulitis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cellulitis and abscess is usually based upon the patient symptoms and medical history. Patients with diabetes, immune deficiency diseases, or taking steroids have are at risk of suffering from abscess. Radiographic examination can be useful to determine whether a skin abscess is present

Treatment

Treatments for cellulitis and abscess include antibiotics. The antibiotics can be taken whether as pills or through the vein, usually during hospitalization, depending on the severance. Abscess may be drained in a doctor's clinic with a local anesthesia or in operation room, under a general anesthesia.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital