Cellulitis

LifeSource Vitamins

Cellulitis is generally an acute, spreading infectious process that initially affects the epidermis and dermis and may subsequently spread within the superficial fascia. Infections of the skin and soft tissue are among those most commonly seen both in and out of the hospital setting. Allowed to spread, these infections can lead to complications such as gram-negative sepsis, bacterial endocarditis, or streptococcal glomerulonephritis. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are normally extremely resistant to infection.

The effectiveness of skin as a barrier against infection is due, in part, to several factors that work together. The surface of the skin is relatively dry and not conducive to bacterial growth. Also, continuous renewal of the epidermal layer causes shedding of keratocytes and skin bacteria. The skin also produces sebaceous secretions, which hydrolyze to free fatty acids and strongly inhibit the growth of many bacteria and fungi.

Conditions that compromise these host defenses may predispose patients to the development of skin infections and include skin punctures, abrasions, or underlying disease such as diabetes. Large portions of these infections are caused by normal skin flora, and the nature and severity of the infection is dependent upon the site of inoculation and type of microorganism. Exposed areas of the body (face, neck) generally have the highest bacterial density and Staphylococcus epidermidis is the most common microorganism.

Cellulitis is classically caused by group A b-hemolytic streptococci such as Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus. Although less common, cellulitis may also be caused by a wide variety of gram-negative organisms, such as Escherichia coli, Proteus sp., and Klebsiella sp. Cellulitis, as a result of gram-negative organisms, is often polymicrobic in nature and may involve anaerobic microorganisms, especially Bacteroides, and Peptostreptococcus. This type of complicated infection is often seen in patients with diabetic foot problems. Infection in the lower extremities is also the most common septic problem leading to hospitalization in diabetics. One of the more exotic possibilities is the induction of cellulitis by an insect bite. One example of this would be from the bite of the brown recluse spider.

Neuropathic changes to the autonomic nervous system as a consequence of diabetes may affect the motor nerve supply of small intrinsic muscles of the foot, resulting in muscular imbalance, abnormal stresses on tissue and bone, and repetitive injuries. Diminished sensory perception causes an absence of pain and unawareness of minor injuries and ulceration. Also, the sympathetic nerve supply may be damaged and can result in an absence of sweating. This leads to dry, cracked skin, which can become secondarily infected.

Another population predisposed to skin infections and cellulitis is the intravenous drug user. Infectious complications may include, among other things, abscess formation and cellulitis at the site of injection. These skin and soft-tissue infections are frequently located on the upper extremities and are often polymicrobic in nature.

Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci are the most common pathogenic organisms isolated from these infections (37-61 percent of patients). Anaerobic bacteria are also commonly found (6-67 percent of patients), although the role of these bacteria in the pathogenesis of infection is unclear. These various organisms are believed to originate as normal flora of the skin, as well as from the mouth and contaminated needles, syringes, and diluents.

The top 7 vitamins and supplements shown to help Cellulitis:

Prescription for Natural Cures by James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.M.D.

Super Prescription #1 Zinc - LifeSource Product

Take 135 to 200 mg three times daily. Can be used safely in conjunction with other therapies.

Super Prescription #2 Omega 3 - LifeSource Product

Use as directed on label. It can aid in circulation, reduce inflammation and improve wound healing.

Super Prescription #3 Echinacea - LifeSource Product

Use a directed on label. It is useful in fighting off infection as well as stimulating the lymphatic system.

Super Prescription #4 Vitamin C - LifeSource Product

Take 1,000 mg daily. It soothes inflamed skin and is an immune booster.

Super Prescription #5 Tea Tree Oil - LifeSource Product

Apply a few drops of oil to cotton ball and apply to the infected area. After 2 to 3 hours wash off with warm water. Reduces swelling and redness.

Super Prescription #6 Ginkgo Biloba - LifeSource Product

Take 1 or 2 capsules daily. Has potent anti-inflammatory effects which makes it one of the most effective alternative treatments for cellulitis.

Super Prescription #7 Garlic - LifeSource Product

1,000 mg two times daily. Has natural healing powers. Useful to treat bacterial infections, especially cellulitis.

Symptoms

Cellulitis can present with general flu-like symptoms and tissue involvement at the site of infection. General complications include erythema, edema and a painful lesion that is non-elevated, with poorly defined margins. Tender lymphadenopathy is common as is malaise, fever and chills. There is usually a history of an antecedent wound from a minor trauma, ulceration, abrasion or surgery.

Other complications include bacteremia, the possibility of thrombophlebitis, particularly in the elderly population with cellulitis of the lower extremities, abscesses, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.

General complications

Erythema

Edema

The lesion is painful, non-elevated, with poorly defined margins

Tender lymphadenopathy is common

Malaise

Fever

Chills

Usually, a history of antecedent wound from minor trauma, ulceration, abrasion, or surgery

Other complications include

Bacteremia

Possibility of thrombophlebitis, particularly in the elderly population with cellulitis of the lower extremities, abscesses, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis

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