Resumen de A cross sectional study on risk factors and therapy pattern of cellulitis infection
Tahereh Akhoundi, Vijayan Vishnu Kizhakkumkara, Ravi Sneha Keerthi Nama, Pratap Balakrishna, Kasthurirangan Meera Neelathahalli
Background: Cellulitis is acute skin infection and/or infection of subcutaneous tissue, characterized by erythema, swelling, warmth, and pain, mostly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Objective: This study was aimed to assess the epidemiology, risk factors, pharmacotherapy pattern and to provide patient education regarding care to be taken in cellulitis alone and cellulitis patients with diabetic foot infection also. Setting: This prospective observational study included 140 consenting patients from the surgery department of a tertiary care hospital. Method: Socio-demographic, laboratory and pharmacotherapy data were documented in a self-structured data collection form and analyzed. Results: It was observed that male patients between the age group of 61-70 years were mostly affected. Risk factors included uncontrolled hyperglycemia, infection and walking barefoot. Cephalosporin class of drugs followed by penicillins were the chief drug classes used in therapy. Patient education was provided using designed patient information leaflets. Conclusion: Cellulitis is very serious condition and more so in diabetics as it may lead to complication of diabetic foot infection. Appropriate pharmacotherapy and patient self-care education provided by the clinical pharmacist are helpful in prevention of the condition
