Causes and Management of Cellulitis

Abstract

Background: Cellulitis is a diffuse, deep, acute inflammation of the skin including the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It often follows an acute or chronic trauma and is an important cause of hospital admissions. About 10% of infections-related hospital admissions in the US annually are due to cellulitis. The most common cause of cellulitis is group A streptococci. Aim: of this review was to study the common causes of cellulitis and understanding the approach to its management. Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1983, through February 2017. The following search terms were used: cellulitis, soft tissue infection, etiology of cellulitis, investigation of cellulitis, management of cellulitis, resistant cellulitis Conclusion: Cellulitis is a common cause of infection-related hospital admissions worldwide. Mild cases can resolve with empiric antibiotic treatment, whereas moderate or severe diseases are harder to treat and are associated with higher recurrence rates. Recurrence rates can be minimized by treating predisposing factors like obesity, lymphedema, and skin injuries.