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Cellulitis of The Hand Definition

Cellulitis is an infection of the connective tissue of the skin, which is result of an bacterial infection (usually through breaks on the skin - minor trauma).Cellulitis of the hand is characterized with redness, swelling, warmth and pain to touch of affected skin area. This infection generally attacks all extremities of the human body and cellulitis of the hand is ordinarily named as cellulitis of the extremities.

Common Symptoms and Signs

Cellulitis of the hand symptoms may come out at the location of the infected area of the skin and that we call local symptoms. Local symptoms for cellulitis of the hand are following: Glossy,tight appearance of the skin; Tenderness or pain of local area; Skin lesion (sudden onset, ordinarily with sharp borders, fast growth within the first 24 hrs); Warmth over area of redness; Fever probably; All other signs of inflammation like(chills, warm skin, shaking, sweating, muscle aches, fatigue, pains, ill). Systematic symptoms for cellulitis of the hand (they can take place on other parts of human body)which may be associated with infection are ordinarily: Vomiting and nausea; Joint stiffness by swelling of the tissue over the joint; In some cases hair loss at the site of infection. Generally about symptoms and signs can find on cellulitis symptoms page.

Causes of Arm Cellulitis Infection

Cellulitis of the hand is an infection caused by bacteria. Human skin normally has many types of bacteria living on, but entire individual's skin is an effective barrier that keeps these bacteria from entering and growing inside the body. In case there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body causing infection and inflammation. The most common cause of cellulitis of the hand infection is bacteria called streptococcus, which is usually detected on the skin and in the throat of organic structure. Another cause of infection by people is bacteria staphylococcus which is ordinarily placed on human skin and lining of mouth and nose. By children ( under 3 years old usually) very dangerous is bacteria heamophilus influenzae type B. More about cellulitis causes is described at cellulitis causes page.

General Risk Factors

Some individuals with particular risk factors are more probably to develop cellulitis of the hand than others. These risk factors for arm cellulitis are: Insect bites, animal bites; Trauma or injury with break in the skin; Diabetes related or ischemic ulcers; History of peripheral vascular disease; Recent dental, cardiovascular, pulmonary or other procedures; Imunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications use.Cellulitis of the hand risk factors are nor effective causes of cellulitis infection, but for sure they increase risk of developing it. Risk factors are closely described at cellulitis risk factors page.

Arm Cellulitis Diagnosis

Doctor typically makes cellulitis of the hand diagnosing asking questions about medical history, during physical examination ( find localized swelling), and ordering blood culture. Investigating infected area is most reliable way to diagnose arm cellulitis. In case that arm is infected signs will be: warmth, pain, swollen and redness. Medical adviser will probably look for breaks in the skin tissue where bacteria may be entered into organic structure. If there is any indication of cellulitis of the hand infection doctor will order blood exam (CBC and blood culture) to confirm diagnose. More precisely about process of diagnosing followed on cellulitis diagnosis page.

Treatment Notes

Cellulitis of the hand treatment is targeted at healing the involved area and any underlying shapes that may increase the likelihood of a recurrence. Treatment may require hospitalization if it's serious enough to warrant intravenous drugs and close medical care. In other cases, oral antibiotics drugs and close out patient follow up suffice. Controlling of the area of infection is focus of treatment and also prevention of complication and recurrence. Treatment with analgesic is may be needed to control pain and antibiotics drugs are given to control inflammation. It helps to elevate the infected area to minimize swelling, compresses are useful to apply warm, recommended resting 'till symptoms improve. To find more details about cellulitis treatment visit cellulitis treatment page.

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