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Although other kinds of bacteria can cause
cellulitis, it is most often caused by Streptococcus pyogenes
(the bacteria which causes strep throat) and Staphylococcus
aureus. Streptococcus pyogenes is the so-called "flesh-eating
bacteria" and, in rare cases, can cause a dangerous, deep skin
infection called necrotizing fasciitis. Orbital cellulitis may be
caused by bacteria which cannot grow in the presence of oxygen (anaerobic
bacteria). In children, Haemophilus influenzae type B
frequently causes orbital cellulitis following a sinus infection.
Streptococcus pyogenes can be picked up
from a person who has strep throat or an infected sore. Other
cellulitis-causing bacteria can be acquired from direct contact with
infected sores. Persons who are at a higher risk for cellulitis are
those who have a severe underlying disease (such as cancer,
diabetes, and kidney disease), are taking steroid medications, have
a reduced immune system (because of AIDS, organ transplant, etc.),
have been burned, have insect bites, have reduced blood circulation
to limbs, or have had a leg vein removed for coronary bypass surgery.
In addition, chicken pox, human or animal bite wounds, skin wounds,
and recent surgery can put a person at a higher risk for cellulitis.
The characteristic symptoms of cellulitis are
redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. The infected area appears as a
red patch that gets larger rapidly within the first 24 hours. A
thick red line which progresses towards the heart may appear
indicating an infection of the lymph vessels (lymphangitis). Other
symptoms which may occur include fever, chills, tiredness, muscle
aches, and a general ill feeling. Some people also experience
nausea, vomiting, stiff joints, and hair loss at the infection site.
The characteristic symptoms of orbital cellulitis
are eye pain, redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness. The eye may
bulge out and it may be difficult or impossible to move. Temporary
loss of vision, pus drainage from the eye, chills, fever, headaches,
vomiting, and a general ill feeling may occur. |
