Phlegmon

The phlegmon ( phlegm phlegm ) is a purulent, diffusely spreading infection disease of the soft tissues ( the interstitial connective tissue ).

A special form of phlegmonous inflammation of the skin is called phlegmonous erysipelas ( erysipelas ).

Symptoms and complaints

A phlegmon is accompanied by fever, pain and inflammation of the affected body part. A purulent inflammation that spreads forms at the inflamed site.

Cause

Pathogens are mostly β -hemolytic streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus less frequently. External causes are often minor skin injuries (eg, fissures ).

Cellulitis can be found under and in the skin tissues in the mediastinum, the rear part of the peritoneum and in and around muscles, fascia and tendons. Often the limbs are affected, then where a surface over -heated, livid erythema is visible.

Consequences and complications

Significant impairment of the general condition, spread of infection and subsequent destruction of body tissue, with insufficient treatment risk of life -threatening circumstances blood poisoning.

Treatment

Treatment is primarily medically with appropriate antibiotics, high-dose normally penicillinasefestem penicillin. In a penicillin allergy cephalosporins should not be administered as a cross-reaction is possible, which is why you draw a therapy with macrolide antibiotics into consideration. In " Meltdown " the phlegmon also a surgical wound treatment with removal of the dead ( nonviable ) tissue and pus can ( debridement / drainage) may be necessary.