Cellulite (inflammation) is an infectious disease in which subcutaneous fat is affected. Since the entire skin has subcutaneous fat under it in varying degrees of severity, it is logical to assume that cellulite can appear on any part of the body. However, the disease most often develops on the lower extremities, in particular the lower legs are affected.
Cellulite develops if conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria get under the skin.
CAUSES OF CELLULITE
Cellulite is primarily an infectious disease that occurs from the penetration of microorganisms into subcutaneous fat. They can get there as a result of the appearance of microtrauma on the skin – cracks, cuts, burns, punctures, as well as animal and insect bites.
The primary inflammatory process can be located on the skin – in the presence of ulcers, erosions, where the skin loses its protective properties, an infection develops, which subsequently spreads deep into the skin.
Recently, cases of cellulite development are often common in patients who have been supplied with a venous peripheral catheter with violations of the staging technology, using non-sterile catheters and an instrumental one.
In this case, cellulite may be accompanied by the development of phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, which complicates the course of cellulite.
In addition to the causes of the disease, there are also predisposing factors that cannot absolutely cause the disease, but provoke the development of pathology.
Bad habits, alcohol, smoking – reduce the body’s defenses.
A significant decrease in immunity is primary immunodeficiency, as well as immunodeficiency caused by infections (HIV infection). Chronic insufficiency of internal organs, disorders of the circulatory system.
Bites of animals, humans, insects. Especially if the bite provokes the development of itching – scratching increases the risk of infection of the lesion site.
Taking certain medications – for example, steroids.
Surgical interventions in the anamnesis.
Contact with some products, namely raw meat, fish, contaminated fruits and vegetables (contact of bacteria with products and damaged skin).
SYMPTOMS OF CELLULITE
The disease begins acutely, usually a few hours after the penetration of bacteria under the skin. The incubation period can also last several days. During the height of the disease, when the disease actively manifests itself, the following clinical symptoms appear:
The appearance of local hyperemia. Over time, the redness increases, the area of the lesion increases.
Palpation at the site of hyperemia causes painful sensations. The intensity of the pain depends on the area of the lesion.
Swelling and local edema appear on the affected skin. Sometimes the appearance of red stripes is noted – this is due to the transition of infection to the lymphatic vessels, which become inflamed, causing hyperemia (along the course of the vessels).
Further, the lymph nodes increase.
Intoxication syndrome develops, weakness, chills, malaise.
In severe cases, cellulite develops further, turning into a more serious disease called gangrene. In turn, gangrene is often complicated by necrosis, in which the affected skin and subcutaneous fat die off.
DIAGNOSIS OF CELLULITE
When seeking help from a doctor with a similar problem, you should know that the doctor will not only have to interview the patient, but also conduct an examination. Collecting anamnesis, the doctor will most likely ask about cases of bathing in unfamiliar places in the near past, possible injuries, surgical interventions, animal or insect bites.
During the examination, the doctor performs palpation, evaluates the size and area of cellulite, determines the symptoms of fluctuation.
Next, it is necessary to carry out laboratory diagnostics – a general analysis of blood, urine, bacterial culture to determine the pathogen and its sensitivity.
CELLULITE TREATMENT
The main treatment is antibacterial therapy, taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs. Symptomatic treatment is aimed at reducing pain and inflammation. In complex severe cases, surgical intervention may be required for the removal of gangrene, necrosis.
