Study of Risk Factors and Management of Cellulitis in Lower Limb in Jharkhand Population

Background: Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the dermis and associated with subcutaneous tissue. It is difficult to diagnose because there are no exact criteria or any specific blood culture for cellulitis. Hence diagnosing and treating cellulitis is a clinical challenge for surgery. Method: 85 adult patients were studied with demographic data. Blood examination included RBS, CBC, LFT, RFT, urine culture and sensitivity, and microbiological profile. Radiologically, chest X-ray, USG abdomen + pelvis, local USG with colour Doppler X-ray of the affected limb, and CECT. Vital signs of every patient were noted. Initially treated with conservative treatment, if not responded to conservative treatment, surgical approach was carried out with fasciotomy with debridement. Results: 42 (49%) were treated conservatively, and 43 (50.5%) with surgical intervention; risk factors were 41 (48.2%), 30 (35.2%) toe with web infection, 7 (8.2%) venous insufficiency, 6 (7%) diabetic, 1 (1.1%) chronic lymphedemous, and 79 (92%) had good results, and 4 (4.7%) had poor skin grafting, and 2 (2.3%) patients expired. Conclusion: The cellulitis of the lower limb in diabetic patients had the most common risk factors. Appropriate conservative treatment and emergency surgical intervention with hospital admission. Treating with culture-directed antibiotics can prevent morbidity and mortality.