Clinical Study on Cellulitis

INTRODUCTION: Cellulitis is a non-suppurative, invasive infection caused by bacteria that is characterized by specifically affecting the dermis and subcutaneous fatty layer. The risk factors include diabetes, obesity, old age, immune compromised individuals, insect bite, animal bite. AIM OF STUDY: To study the clinical presentation, the risk factors and management of cellulitis. METHODOLOGY OF STUDY: This is a prospective case study. Data collected from 100 patients with detailed clinical history and necessary investigations and grading of cellulitis was done and management was done based on grading of cellulitis. RESULTS: It is observed that cellulitis common among the males with lowerlimb involvement as common presentation with higher grades of cellulitis. Regarding risk factors diabetes mellitus is more common followed by infected traumatic ulcers and post bite cellulitis. Culture and sensitivity showed staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus species are most common organism and piperacillin tazobactum and imipenem are the most sensitive antibiotics. 13% of patients were managed conservatively, 75% of patients required wound debridement and fasciotomy, 12% required amputation. 61% of patients had resultant wound which healed by secondary intention, rest were treated by split skin grafting. CONCLUSION: This study on cellulitis found out that diabetes mellitus is the most common risk factor. Early screening and good glycaemic control prevent the incidence of cellulitis. Hospital admission for severe forms of cellulitis appropriate and emergency surgical interventions as needed, employing culture directed antibiotics, managing comorbidities can salvage limb and lives