The development of cellulitis is a topic of concern to many. Cellulitis is a fairly common inflammation of the skin. It is often brought about by either the Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria. When these bacteria enter the dermis and subcutaneous tissue layer of the skin, cellulitis can develop. It is usually accompanied by pain, redness and swelling of the affected skin part. It is also accompanied by typical symptoms of a body fighting infection such as fever and body weakness.
What are the parts of the body that usually develop cellulitis?
Cellulitis development is fast in places where skin trauma or injuries occur. They typically occur in the lower leg, the arms and neck region. In people who are overly obese, cellulitis can also develop beneath the skin folds of the abdomen.
Who are the people prone to develop cellulitis?
1. Diabetic – People with diabetes have a high sugar level ion their blood. This increased concentration of glucose is very beneficial to bacteria because they need it in order to multiply. Diabetics are doubly at risk for developing cellulitis because of poor wound healing. As wounds become too slow and the skin is exposed to various traumas, the bacteria may enter and wreak havoc.
2. People taking immunosuppressant medications- Normally, the immune system fights off all these infections. The body could usually take care of various infectious microorganisms. However, some people especially those with diseases where their own immune system is attacking their body. These people need medications that slow down or depress the immune system. When bacteria that causes cellulitis enters, these people who are under immunosuppresant medications may develop cellulitis.
3. The very young and the very old – These groups of people may have underdeveloped or weak immune systems. When infection strikes, their body defenses may be too weak to fight off the infection.
4. People with other disease conditions – When a person has other disease condition, the body may be overwhelmed with trying to fight them off all at the same time. Hence, people with multiple disease conditions are more prone to developing cellulitis and other infections.
