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Cellulitis: Dangerously Common in the Elderly
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Cellulitis is a potentially very serious skin
infection that frequently affects older individuals. |
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Because the
bacteria that cause it are everywhere, and it can spread rapidly
into the bloodstream if not aggressively treated, cellulitis can
even be life-threatening is not promptly treated.
Cellulitis can develop when bacteria enter the body through a
break in the skin. Although cellulitis can occur anywhere on the
body, most commonly streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria find
a small break in the skin on a senior's lower leg or ankle area.
Very dry skin, abrasions, punctures, insect bites, even simply
cracked and swollen skin from excessive fluid accumulation can
create an entry point for these bacteria.
Cellulitis appears first as a reddened area of skin that feels
hot, tender and swollen. Occasionally the inflamed area of skin
will also have small red spots or blisters. If untreated the
affected area will usually grow larger. Sometimes, but not always,
a person with cellulitis will also have a fever or general
"malaise."
If you see signs of this potentially serious skin infection, act
immediately.
Anyone with a tender, red, warm, swollen rash needs to get medical
attention as soon as possible. If the rash seems to be expanding,
do the best you can to get an immediate, same day appointment. If
there is also fever present, or if you see rapid changes in the
appearance of the rash, this may signal that the bacteria beneath
the skin are spreading. In that case, it's time to get emergency
treatment. The bacteria responsible for a cellulitis infection can
be life threatening if they enter the blood stream or the lymph
nodes.
In most cases, if caught early, a 10 to 14 day course of
antibiotic treatment will be effective. However, if the infection
is extensive, or if the patient is extremely ill, hospitalization
and intravenous antibiotic therapy is sometimes necessary.
Who is Most at Risk for Cellulitis?
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- The elderly, who often have less effective
circulatory systems;
- Those with weakened immune systems;
- Those with diabetes, which can cause
compromised blood circulation to the lower legs and feet, slower
healing of wounds, and an impaired immune system;
- Those with chronically swollen arms or legs.
Swollen skin can crack, permitting bacteria to enter;
- Those with any chronic infection,
particularly on the feet;
- Those with chicken pox, shingles, or any rash
that causes blistering of the skin.
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