CELLULITIS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE MEDICAL MANAGEMENT OF CELLULITIS

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin, presenting with poorly demarcated erythema, edema, warmth, and ten demess. Although common, it often can be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In this review, the pathophysiology, micro- biology, clinical presentation, and risk factors of cellulitis are dis cussed. Cellulitis can occur in any part of the body especially in legs and face. The bacteria most commonly involved are streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. When left untreated it affects the lymphatic vessels and reaches the circulation causing serious conditions. The borders of the area of redness are generally not sharp and the skin may be swollen. Lymphatic vessels may occasionally be involved. This review deals about the infection spread, symptoms, investigations, and treatment in cellulitis. The approach to diagnosis is reviewed and the importance of differeritiating cellulitis from clinical mimics of cellulitis is highlighted. An approach to empirical treatment is presented, with re- cent recommendations from the literature. Cellulitis is an infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue, presenting with expanding erythema, warmth, tenderness, and swelling. Cellulitis is a common global health burden, with more than 650 000 admissions per year in the United States alone. Keywords: Infection, Management, Cellulitis