Cellulitis pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Microorganisms gain initial access into the layers of the skin through the discontinuities and cuts in the skin. The body responds to these microbes as | Microorganisms gain initial access into the layers of the skin through the discontinuities and cuts in the skin. The body responds to these microbes as foreign bodies and their detection sets off an inflammatory response. The inflammatory response leads to redness, swelling, pain and itching of the area involved. A local infection leads to inflammation of the area of infection. With a competent immune system, the spread of the infection is limited. If the immune system fails to curb the initial infection, the infection may become systemic by spreading into adjacent areas. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it is called ([[Bacteremia]]). | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:36, 20 July 2012
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Cellulitis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Cellulitis pathophysiology On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cellulitis pathophysiology |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Cellulitis pathophysiology |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Cellulitis results from the activation of the body's inflammatory response mechanisms. When the immune system cannot respond adequately to the initial bacterial infection, the response can spread systemically through the blood stream.
Pathophysiology
Microorganisms gain initial access into the layers of the skin through the discontinuities and cuts in the skin. The body responds to these microbes as foreign bodies and their detection sets off an inflammatory response. The inflammatory response leads to redness, swelling, pain and itching of the area involved. A local infection leads to inflammation of the area of infection. With a competent immune system, the spread of the infection is limited. If the immune system fails to curb the initial infection, the infection may become systemic by spreading into adjacent areas. If the infection spreads to the bloodstream, it is called (Bacteremia).