How do you test for cellulitis?

Ever wondered how to diagnose cellulitis? Don’t worry we have got you covered. In this article, we are going to dive deep into the world of cellulitis testing.

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of your skin and subcutaneous tissues. The affected area becomes red, swollen, tender and painful. The most common bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Who Is At Risk Of Developing Cellulitis?

Well, anyone can develop celluli-what?! Yes, correct it’s called CELLULITIS! But certain factors increase one’s risk such as:

  • People with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses
  • Individuals with poor circulation in their legs
  • Previous history of cellulitis or other skin infections

Symptoms

The symptoms of cellulitis usually start suddenly and worsen quickly within 24 to 48 hours which includes:

  • Warm and Red Skin (5 points if your leg resembles the American flag!)
  • Painful Swelling
  • Fever

How To Test For Cellulitits?

There isn’t a specific test to diagnosis Celulltis but fear not doctors have developed some ways to effectively detect it based on signs & symptoms. Here’s what they do!

Physical Examination

Your healthcare professional will perform a physical exam by looking at the affected site (hopefully not someone who has no sense of humour may ask “Hey Doc so just tell me I am fat now” LOL!) . Often your doctor will look for following signs/symptoms :

  1. Swelling: Usually associated with pain accompanied by tenderness when touched.
  2. Color changes: Skin turns reddish or pinkish (early stages)
  3. Raised borders : The infected area may have a defined border.
  4. Increase in skin temperature: The affected area is warm when felt.

Laboratory Tests

In some cases, your doctor may need to order laboratory tests such as:

  • Blood Test : To check general health status of the patient
  • Wound Culture : Swabbing culture can help determine the type of bacteria present for selection of antibiotics (not like you choosing food from a menu guys!)

Imaging Tests

If there is suspicion that the infection has spread into underlying tissues or bones, imaging tests like MRI or Ultrasound are recommended by physicians. İt provides an insight regarding severity and prevelance which aide subsequent treatment decision making.

Differential Diagnosis

Doctors will consider ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms before confirmed diagnosis , including:

  1. Lymphangitis – inflammation around lymph nodes
  2. Eczema – chronic skin condition resulting in redness & itching
  3. Gout – inflammatory disease affecting joints primarily caused due to high level of uric acid.
  4. Psoriasis – autoimmune disease characterized by dry patches on skin surface.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis occurs sometimes if cellulitis due not being able to distinguish between symptoms resembling thoseof DVT (Deep vein Thrombosis). It’s risky because misinterpreted phlebitis from DVT delays anticoagulant therapy increasing chances of pulmonary embolism .

Conclusion

Cellulitis should be treated promptly because it can progress rapidly leading to serious complications like abscess formation and sepsis (woaah don’t look at it as an album..It’s alot more dangerous). Knowledge about how its tested will aid correct detection so seek medical attention without hesitation to ensure early recovery!

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