Page 174 - fourth year book

SKIN DISEASES

4. Non-infected members of the household should pay special
attention to areas of the skin that have been injured, such as cuts,
scrapes, bug bites, areas of eczema, and rashes. These areas should

be kept clean and covered.
5. Contact with the infected person and his or her belongings should
be avoided

2. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria, usually
Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. These

bacteria enter the broken or normal skin and can spread easily to the
tissue under the skin which affect loose connective tissue (dermis
,subcutaneous tissue).

Incubation period : it can be develop in as little as 24 hours or can take
days to develop.

Symptoms
The range of symptoms can be mild to severe, and can include:
1. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, or itching

and early signs of redness on the affected area.
2. Redness of the skin
3. Warmth
4. Swelling
5. Tenderness or pain in an area of skin
6. Discharge, such as leaking yellow clear fluid or pus.

Spread of infection

The infection can spread to the rest of the body. The lymph nodes may
swell and be noticed as a tender lump in the groin and armpit.

Sites of affection: Arms, legs, feet, and face.

Diagnosis: Swab : a swab is taken from the skin.

Other tests: such as blood tests and x-rays.

Complications

1. Gangrene
2. Abscess
3. Septicemia.

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