Cellulitis of the foot can develop “out of the blue”; various reasons lead to this. The symptoms of the disease are clear and point specifically to phlegmon, although additional diagnostics may be required.
Inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue and surrounding tissues is called phlegmon. Most often, the appearance of a process in the foot area is preceded by phlegmon of the lower leg. Only later, when the infection goes down, inflammation and swelling of the foot develops. The reasons for this condition often go unnoticed, but it is the wound from a splinter prick or a nail that happened to be stepped on yesterday that can lead to serious consequences. Even diabetes mellitus carries the risk of developing phlegmon, since not only immunity is reduced, but also blood vessels are affected, and the protective function of the skin becomes low.
The disease itself is dangerous and can result not only in the loss of a limb, but also in death. If there is phlegmon in the foot area, then you should immediately consult a surgeon and begin treatment, preferably in a hospital. But before prescribing treatment, it is worth understanding what factors and causes may be paramount in the development of phlegmon in the foot area.
Most often, phlegmon on the foot can occur with diabetes mellitus, when pustular diseases are not uncommon, and any microtrauma can cause suppuration. The risk is especially high in severe diabetes, when a person takes large doses of insulin. In such individuals, boils and carbuncles especially often appear, and subcallosal abscesses develop on the foot, which requires constant surgical intervention. The healing of wounds, which are excellent entry points for microorganisms, is also poor.
The cause may also be phlegmon in the thigh or any other area of the lower limb. It is often caused by a carbuncle developing on the first toe or an abscess in the rear area. Often the cause may be a scratch or abrasion, when there is an entrance gate for infection. A foreign body in the tissues can lead to an inflammatory process.
Often, gunshot injuries to the feet result in phlegmon, when microorganisms are able to penetrate into the deep layers of tissue and lead there to inflammatory and suppurative processes.
Cellulitis on the foot can develop on both the right and left legs, it does not matter. The cause may also be a festering callus, which in its thickness may contain a large number of microorganisms that can cause an inflammatory process. This condition is called a subcallosal abscess, which over time turns into phlegmon of the foot if no measures are taken to eliminate it. If phlegmon in the foot area occurs on the left leg, then there is no need to worry, it will not spread to the right leg, although immediate treatment is required.
The cause may be a wound or damage to the skin in the form of a crack, which often occurs on the skin of the soles. Even microtraumas can lead to inflammation; if it just begins, you need to immediately visit a doctor without leading to phlegmon.
To suspect something is wrong, you should know how the disease manifests itself, because often phlegmon in the thigh area can look like an abscess or carbuncle, which often happens with severe diabetes.
Establishing a correct diagnosis can be very difficult, because the process can be deep in the tissues of the sole. Then it is worth resorting to additional examination methods that will help to correctly establish the diagnosis. Symptoms are of great importance, and you should tell the doctor everything, especially about the symptoms that appeared and how they developed. It is very important to indicate the reasons after which the specified condition began, whether it was preceded by damage to the skin or prolonged wearing of shoes, which led to the appearance of a callus.
It is necessary to constantly remember that everything told can help the doctor make the correct diagnosis. But this does not mean that it is worth telling everything from birth, from the moment a person takes his first steps. The conversation should be brief and, in fact, only what concerns the disease, with an emphasis on the reasons that led to the development of phlegmon.
Next, the doctor may prescribe tests, most often blood and urine, which will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. And if there is an accumulation of pus, then a puncture with a syringe is needed. If pus is obtained in it, then there is no doubt.
The resulting discharge must be sent for bacteriological examination, which will establish the type of microorganism that led to inflammation and its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs. This will subsequently allow you to correctly select the most effective antibiotic treatment. At the initial stage, broad-spectrum drugs are prescribed.
If there is a suspicion of phlegmon, then the person should be immediately sent to a surgical hospital. If there is a wound or a site of damage through which the infection has penetrated into the tissue, it must be covered with a bandage. If there is a purulent wound, then the bandage should be moistened with an antiseptic solution or hypertonic salt solution (brine) and in this condition the person should be hospitalized. Self-medication can cause the loss of a limb, so delay is strictly prohibited.
Any suppuration, no matter whether a carbuncle has arisen or an abscess, and especially phlegmon, should be opened with a surgeon’s scalpel. This will remove the pus and microorganisms contained in it and adequately sanitize the wound. The incision is made very carefully so as not to damage the vessels and nerves, usually under local anesthesia and over the site of maximum protrusion of pus.
To make the treatment as effective as possible, drainage is inserted into the wound cavity (they are made from sterile dropper tubes or gloves). This ensures drainage and a speedy recovery, and napkins soaked in antiseptic or antibiotic solutions are placed on the wound itself.
It is noteworthy that the treatment involves maintaining the wound openly, no matter the left or right foot, no stitches are applied. The outflow must be constant, and the wound granulates on its own (by secondary intention).
General treatment is also necessary, which boils down to injections of antibiotics, most often a combination of two drugs is used. The course of treatment is no more than a week, after which the drug is changed with a new one or simply canceled if the wound is cleaned and begins to heal. Treatment has a greater effect if droppers are used with solutions that reduce the concentration of toxins in a person’s blood and increase immunity.
Preventing foot phlegmon is much easier than treating it later. Prevention measures are extremely simple and boil down to the fact that you should not be lazy about visiting a doctor if you have a wound that needs to be treated or stitched up. If your shoes are too tight, it will be much cheaper to buy a new, looser one, with a soft insole, especially for people with diabetes.
Don’t forget about immunity, which needs to be constantly improved. It is worth consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, staying in the fresh air and tempering yourself. You should not uncontrollably use antibacterial drugs unless prescribed by a doctor. This will lead to the fact that it will be very difficult to cope with phlegmon of the foot using common drugs; they simply will not work. This happens due to the habituation of microorganisms and the development of resistance.
Hygiene of the feet, which should be kept clean at all times, is also important. This will minimize the amount of pathogen and also reduce the risk of fungal infection, which can lead to phlegmon if it penetrates into deeper tissues through abrasions and cracks. Their person simply does not notice or does not want to pay any attention to them. But in vain, because in the meantime the infection is already doing its dirty work; sometimes it’s enough just to treat the wound with alcohol.
Any disease requires proper attention and timely treatment, otherwise it will progress. No exception to this list is phlegmon of the foot, which can cause disability or even death.
Close attention to your health will help you avoid such unpleasant consequences, but banal prevention is even more important. There is no need to be afraid to visit a doctor, but his timely advice will help you avoid unpleasant consequences. It is always necessary to remember that a person’s health is only in his hands, and he himself bears primary responsibility for it.
We cannot do without injuries and bruises in our lives. Often, the consequences of these incidents are a disease called phlegmon - an inflammatory, purulent process that occurs in fatty tissue.
The peculiarity of this disease is that it has no clear boundaries and rapidly spreads to nearby skin. Also, in advanced forms, the disease spreads to the muscles and bones; surgical intervention cannot be avoided.
This disease is caused by an infection called Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli. Microorganisms penetrate deep skin in various ways:
In a normal situation, a capsule forms around the damaged area of skin, the body tries to stop the infection. If one or more of the factors listed above are present, this process does not occur. Harmful microorganisms penetrate deep under the skin, provoking an inflammatory, purulent process.
The first alarm bells when this disease develops are:
As a rule, phlegmon of the hand, neck, leg and other parts of the body progresses rapidly. Over time, pus, blisters, necrotic tissue, and ulcers appear. Do not put off going to the doctor; acute complications can cause serious harm to the body.
In severe forms of phlegmon, blood pressure decreases, heart rhythm is disturbed, breathing is difficult, nausea, and vomiting. Nearby organs also suffer, they are compressed, resulting in pain and tingling.
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Each disease has different stages of development; today we will consider the forms of soft tissue phlegmon:
This disease can be acute (spontaneous infection) or chronic (the disease does not go away and returns again).
Depending on the location of the disease, there are facial, lumbar, foot, etc. Any part of the human body where there is an infection is susceptible to this pathology.
Phlegmon of newborns and older children
Children are highly susceptible to this disease. Their immunity is not as strong as that of adults + a huge number of injuries, wounds (broken knees, fights at school), frequent infectious diseases (sore throat, otitis, bronchitis, flu). The usual localization of phlegmon in children is the face, limbs, and cervical region.
High activity promotes rapid blood flow. Thanks to this nuance, bacteria quickly spread throughout the body, provoking an acute form of the disease.
The child should be treated only after noticing the first symptoms. After all, the baby’s body cannot cope with the infection on its own.
This category of women is especially sensitive. Their immunity is going through hard times; the body’s defenses may not be able to cope with the most harmless infection.
Treatment is carried out very carefully, comparing the expected positive effect for the mother with harm to the fetus.
The attending physician will easily identify the disease in its initial stages. The characteristic swelling and redness will “give over” to phlegmon. But purulent wounds and ulcers should be studied to understand the cause and the exact name of the infection. For this purpose, ultrasound, tomograms, and radiography are performed. In difficult cases, they resort to puncture and biopsy.
All these methods help to study the degree of development of the disease and accurately determine the pathogen. These manipulations are the key to successful treatment.
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The initial stages are treated with antibiotics, painkillers, and immunity-boosting drugs. Anti-inflammatory ointments, creams or injections with a suitable solution are also prescribed.
The option of removing the pus by a doctor and subsequent home treatment is possible: applying bandages with levomekol to the affected area, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins.
You should also stop taking alcohol or drugs, as there may be a risk of re-infection.
Advanced stages require immediate hospitalization of the patient and urgent surgical intervention.
The essence of this method is to remove the source of infection and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the skin. If the inflammatory process has not stopped, the temperature persists, and pus appears, then the last resort is amputation of the limb.
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In the following video you can clearly see the process of treating foot phlegmon:
Phlegmon is an acute purulent inflammatory process that occurs in fatty tissue and spreads to surrounding tissues, including tendons and muscles.
The disease occurs at any age, equally often in men and women. The inflammatory process can develop on its own or is a complication of other purulent processes - carbuncles, boils, abscesses and others.
Cellulitis, abscess cleaning, photo
Inflammation of fatty tissue can occur as a result of a violation of the integrity of the skin when pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the wound.
However, as practice shows, the disease most often develops where there were no injuries or damage. Favorite places for localization of the pathological process are:
Cellulitis of the face and neck is quite common.
When the skin is damaged, the cause of an acute inflammatory process is obvious - the penetration of bacteria from the outside. When phlegmon forms “out of the blue,” its exact causes have not been established by medical science.
However, it is believed that chronic foci of infections in the body or weak immunity can cause the development of the inflammatory process.
Predisposing factors are:
There are several forms of the disease:
Serous phlegmon - inflammation is caused by the accumulation of pathological exudate (fluid). The fiber becomes cloudy in appearance as a result of being saturated with accumulated liquid.
The boundaries of the pathological focus and non-infected tissues are practically invisible.
Purulent phlegmon - the tissue surrounding the pathological focus begins to melt, resulting in the formation of a large amount of pus. With this form of the inflammatory process, fistulas or ulcers often form near the lesion, from which a green-yellow liquid is released.
As phlegmon progresses, the disease spreads to the muscles and fascia, as a result of which the tissues acquire a gray coating and become saturated with pus.
Putrefactive - at this stage, the tissue structure is destroyed and gases are formed, as a result the new growth emits an unpleasant smell of rot.
The location of the pathological process and the tissues located nearby acquire a mushy, dark-colored shape. This condition leads to severe intoxication of the entire body.
Necrotic form - necrotic foci (dead skin) form on the surface of the neoplasm, which are subsequently rejected by the body, and bleeding wound surfaces remain in their place.
Often, after necrotic phlegmon, abscesses form, the treatment of which is carried out (mainly) surgically.
Anaerobic - the inflammatory process spreads to large areas of fatty tissue, causing the formation of necrotic foci with the release of gas. Affected tissues acquire an earthy tint and an unbearable unpleasant odor.
When palpated, a crunching sound (crepitation) is clearly audible, which is caused by the accumulation of gases. The tissue around anaerobic cellulitis resembles boiled meat.
Manifestations of phlegmon of the face and neck, photo 3
The clinical picture of the disease is acute. At the initial stage, the site of localization of the inflammatory process is sharply painful, hot to the touch, and swollen. Softened areas of the tumor indicate accumulation of pus under the skin.
As the disease progresses, general symptoms also appear:
Against the background of general intoxication of the body, the patient may experience vomiting, anuria (or oliguria), and a weak thread-like pulse.
Cellulitis of the finger, photo 5
When diagnosing phlegmon, hospitalization in the surgery department is required. In the acute period, strict bed rest is indicated. If pus has accumulated at the site of infiltration, it should be immediately removed by surgical opening and drainage.
If the disease is detected at the stage of infiltration formation, that is, before tissue softening and pus accumulation, treatment of the inflammatory process is carried out by conservative methods - the use of thermal procedures, ultraviolet radiation, mercury ointment.
When a compaction has formed and the body temperature is high, the patient is prescribed a phlegmon operation in order to ensure a high-quality outflow of pus.
After the pus drains, the cavity is washed and special tubes are inserted. A sterile gauze bandage moistened with a 10% sodium chloride solution is applied to the wound.
Patients with acute inflammation of adipose tissue are required to be prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, as well as general health-improving drugs and vitamins.
To eliminate pain, it is advisable to prescribe analgesics, and to relieve fever - antipyretic drugs.
To speed up the rejection of dead tissue, Iruksol ointment or other local products containing enzymes are prescribed.
To speed up the healing of open wounds, Troxevasin ointment or Methyluracil ointment is prescribed.
Cellulitis operation photo 4
Recovery after surgery for phlegmon requires several months, and the patient must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations so that there is no recurrence and the disease does not become chronic.
A complication is the spread of infection throughout the body through the blood or lymph, which is fraught with general intoxication of the body and the development of sepsis or lymphadenitis.
Cellulitis and abscesses of the maxillofacial area can lead to the spread of infection to brain tissue, which leads to the development of meningitis or purulent meningoencephalitis.
Cellulitis of the neck can lead to suffocation, and involvement of nearby arteries in the inflammatory process and subsequent destruction of the vessel walls causes massive arterial bleeding and death.
Strengthening the patient’s immune system, timely and adequate treatment of boils and carbuncles, normalizing metabolism and eradicating chronic bacterial foci in the body will help reduce the risk of developing phlegmon.
Which doctors should I contact for phlegmon?
When identifying the first symptoms of phlegmon, the patient is recommended to contact a surgeon.
Dental surgeons treat neoplasms of the maxillofacial area; if the disease develops as a result of a fracture or other injury, traumatologists.
In the international classification of diseases, phlegmon is in class XII (L00-L99)
L00-L99 – Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Cellulitis is a purulent inflammation of soft tissues, characterized by a fairly rapid spread in the area of muscles, tendons and fiber, as well as their impregnation with exudate. Phlegmon is characterized by localization in any part of the body, and in an advanced form, internal organs can be affected.
Staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can play the role of the main causative agents of purulent phlegmon of the neck, face, hand or other part of the body. Obligate anaerobes, which actively reproduce in conditions of complete absence of oxygen, can cause the development of a severe form of the disease.
Often the development of abscesses and phlegmons of the face and neck is caused by the widespread prevalence of odontogenic and tonsillogenic infections. In addition, infectious and inflammatory damage to the skin and oral mucosa can be factors stimulating the development of the disease. The fact is that the perimaxillary region, as well as the neck region, have a rather complex anatomical structure. It is in this part of the body that there are numerous lymph nodes, vessels, cellular spaces, arteries, and veins, which together provide excellent conditions for the occurrence and development of phlegmon of the neck or face.
Thus, the main difference between an abscess and phlegmon is that in the first case it is a certain accumulation of pus in tissues or internal organs, and in the second it is a diffuse inflammation of fatty tissue, accompanied by copious discharge of pus. Most often, facial phlegmon manifests itself in the form of an odontogenic formation, the focus of which is usually localized in the chewing tissue area, in the area of the canine pit or in the tissue of the oral cavity.
Phlegmon of the hand is a diffuse purulent inflammation of the upper as well as deep tissues of the hands. Nonspecific purulent microflora is the main factor influencing its occurrence and spread. In addition, anaerobes can often be found in its contents.
This disease can result from any inflammatory skin disease, as well as mechanical damage to external tissues resulting from a blow or fall. Phlegmons of the hands are usually divided into interdigital, phlegmons of the thenar and hypothenar spaces, central or median, preaponeurotic and subaponeurotic, U-shaped phlegmons of the hand and forearm, and the dorsum of the hand.
Often calluses can become the main cause of the appearance and development of the subcutaneous form of the disease. Thanks to traumatic damage, countless pathogenic microorganisms can get a real opportunity to penetrate deep into the tissues, where the process of suppuration begins. It should also be noted that the favorable anatomical structure of the subcutaneous tissue of the hand also plays an important role in choosing the location of phlegmon of the hand. Thus, brushes have properties quite favorable for the proliferation of microorganisms and the development of disease, which create the necessary conditions.
Subcutaneous felons of the fingers often subsequently lead to the development of phlegmon of the interdigital spaces. Thanks to the subcutaneous fat, pus can spread to the finger itself, as well as the interdigital space.
Among the main symptoms associated with the occurrence of the disease are redness, increased temperature of the skin in the area of damage, swelling, and pain. All these signs, as a rule, appear in the presence of an inflammatory process. Thus, any wounds and skin lesions can grow and develop under the influence of phlegmon.
It should be noted that cellulitis has real copycat diseases. One such disease is hemostatic dermatitis, which manifests itself as scaly redness on the legs and ankles.
The affected areas of the skin can cause quite severe pain, swelling and tissue infiltration may be observed. If the disease has spread to the superficial layers of subcutaneous tissue, skin hyperemia may occur. Also, phlegmon is usually accompanied by general weakness, fever, thirst and chills.
Pronounced and rapidly developing symptoms of phlegmon may indicate the depth of the disease. In this case, a decrease in blood pressure, a frequent weak pulse, shortness of breath, acrocyanosis, oliguria, and jaundice of the skin may be observed.
The appearance of an infiltrate of woody density with a bluish tint may indicate that phlegmon has taken on a chronic form.
To begin treatment of phlegmon of the face, hand or other parts of the body, the exact cause of inflammation on the skin should be established. Typically, a medical professional can make an appropriate diagnosis by reviewing your medical history and performing a complete examination. In some cases, there is a need for leukocyte counting and baklosev.
Various types of antibiotics are used to treat cellulitis. If such treatment fails, corticosteroids may be indicated. If medication and physical therapy are ineffective, surgical intervention is prescribed, and the sooner the operation is performed, the faster the purulent process and intoxication can be stopped.
The main measures to prevent the occurrence and development of the disease are to minimize the risk of various microtraumas at work and at home. You should also remember the rules for providing first aid for injuries, as well as in the presence of embedded foreign bodies.
This article is posted for educational purposes only and does not constitute scientific material or professional medical advice.
Panaritium is a purulent inflammation of the tissues of the finger, less commonly the foot. In most cases, fingers I, II, and III are affected. According to statistics, people aged twenty to fifty years are more likely to suffer from panaritium, which is associated primarily with active work. Thus, approximately 75% of cases of the disease are caused by work-related injury and only 10% by domestic injury, 15% are caused by other causes. It is worth noting that felon often occurs in early childhood. And it is not surprising, because children are very inquisitive, active and often receive micro-injuries to the skin.
Purulent inflammation in tissues is caused by pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria: staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterococcus, Proteus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Microorganisms get deep into the tissues of the finger through all kinds of cuts, puncture wounds, splinters, bites, burns, and cracks. Concomitant factors also influence the development of purulent inflammation:
For working people, such aggravating factors are the influence of vibration, hypothermia, as well as exposure to irritating chemicals.
The skin of the palmar surface of the hand is tightly fused with the aponeurosis, their connection is ensured by fibrous bridges. The bridges form closed cells filled with fat cells. Thanks to this, the infection spreads deeper, rather than wider, into the hand. These anatomical features explain why purulent processes are predominantly localized on the palmar surface.
Depending on the location of the purulent process, as well as its spread, the following types of felons are distinguished:
The first four forms are classified as superficial felon , the next four - as deep . In superficial forms of the disease, local symptoms prevail in the clinical picture, and general symptoms are mild. And deep forms of panaritium can greatly affect the general well-being of the patient.
Clinical manifestations depend primarily on the type of panaritium.
In this form of the disease, the purulent process is located within the skin. Often suppuration occurs in the epidermis, with pus raising the stratum corneum. As a result, a purulent bubble forms on the skin. The blister is surrounded by a narrow rim of hyperemia. Yellow pus is visible through the wall of the bladder. The pain with this form of panaritium is mild.
In this form of the disease, purulent inflammation is concentrated in the subcutaneous fat. The danger of subcutaneous panaritium is that pus from subcutaneous fat can spread to the tendon sheath, joints, and bones.
In most cases, the purulent process is concentrated in the area of the distal phalanx of the finger on the palmar surface. A couple of days, and sometimes several hours after receiving microtrauma, pain appears in this area, which then transforms into throbbing pain, especially worse at night, which disturbs sleep.
Often the patient develops regional lymphadenitis, weakness, and increased body temperature.
The boundaries of purulent inflammation are determined by the extent of pain detected when pressing on the affected area of the finger with the tip of tweezers.
In the area of pain, thickening and redness of the skin is determined. There may be slight swelling in the dorsum of the hand.
Infection of the periungual fold occurs due to existing hangnails caused by microtrauma during manicure. The purulent process seeps under the nail, thereby peeling it off from the nail bed. The periungual fold and the surrounding skin become edematous and swollen. Soreness is noted. When pressing on the affected area, pus appears on the surface of the skin. If you look closely, you can also see pus under the nail plate.
The process can become chronic and last for weeks.
This form of the disease develops as a result of a splinter getting under the nail or infection of a hematoma formed as a result of a bruise in the nail area. A yellowish accumulation of pus is visualized under the nail plate, and local soreness is noted. In addition, redness and swelling in the area of the periungual fold are detected. The person is bothered by severe throbbing pain, noticeably worsening when lowering the arm.
Bacteria penetrate into the tendon sheath of the flexor finger when it is damaged by all kinds of wounding objects or due to the spread of purulent infection from the subcutaneous tissue. The appearance of purulent exudate in the tendon sheath provokes an increase in pressure there. Clinically, this is manifested by the appearance of severe pain. The danger is that increased pressure and effusion compress the blood vessels, and this can lead to tendon necrosis. As a result, the functions of the finger are irreversibly impaired.
The purulent process from the tendon sheaths of the 1st and 2nd fingers can spread to the deep cellular space of the forearm. And isolated suppuration of the tendon sheath of the 1st finger can spread to the tendon sheath of the 5th finger; this phenomenon is called U-shaped phlegmon.
Tendon panaritium occurs with severe throbbing pain. Pain occurs upon palpation along the tendon sheath. The affected finger is red, enlarged, half-bent, and when you try to straighten it, excruciating pain occurs.
This form of the disease occurs as a result of the introduction of microorganisms directly into the bone itself during injury, but more often as a result of the spread of a purulent process to the periosteum during subcutaneous felon.
Bone panaritium often affects the nail phalanx. The finger is slightly bent, the slightest movements lead to increased pain. Purulent effusion leads to compression of blood vessels, as well as detachment of the periosteum. As a result, necrosis of bone tissue occurs. Even after drainage of a purulent focus (operative or spontaneous), the inflammatory process can become chronic due to infected dead bone tissue. With a long course of the disease, the nail phalanx increases in volume and becomes club-shaped.
Bone panaritium occurs with intoxication symptoms in the form of weakness, fever, lymphadenitis.
This form of the disease develops as a result of infection of the joint cavity when a puncture wound is applied in this area or when a purulent process passes from the soft tissues or adjacent phalanx. It is noteworthy that the appearance of purulent effusion leads to the rapid destruction of elements of the articular apparatus. Therefore, complete restoration of joint function even after healing often does not occur.
Swelling and pain appear in the joint area, which soon spread to the entire finger. Due to the destruction of the articular elements, pathological mobility of the joint occurs, as well as crepitus during movements. The general well-being of a person also worsens: weakness, increased body temperature, and lymphadenitis appear.
This is the most severe form of the disease, affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, tendons, joints and bones. It develops as a complication of skin, joint, bone felon, which is possible if the patient does not consult a doctor in a timely manner or in the presence of general diseases that aggravate the course of felon.
The affected finger is greatly enlarged and even deformed. The skin of the finger is tense, cyanotic-purple, which indicates a severe circulatory disorder. The finger assumes a half-bent position. Often fistulas form on its surface, through which pus is released.
The patient feels severe weakness, fever and lymphadenitis are noted.
For superficial forms of panaritium, conservative treatment with antibacterial agents and NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and baths with hypertonic salt solution is possible in the initial stages. Unfortunately, patients often do not consult a doctor during this period, hoping that the disease will go away on its own. But after a couple of days the purulent process gains momentum. Surgeons are guided by the rule of the first sleepless night, which goes like this: if the patient did not sleep at night due to pain in the finger, then it is time to operate.
The operation should be carried out as early as possible, since the spread of the purulent process deeper can lead to tissue necrosis.
With cutaneous panaritium, the surgeon removes the exfoliated layer of the epidermis with scissors, and then applies a bandage with an antiseptic.
With subcutaneous panaritium, the surgeon makes parallel incisions corresponding to the purulent focus, and on the nail phalanges - club-shaped incisions. After opening the abscess, the doctor excises the necrotic tissue and dissects the fibrous bridges to open the tissue cells. The cavity is drained through two incisions. Then a bandage is applied and the finger is immobilized in the required position.
To treat periungual panaritium, the purulent cavity is opened, the necrotic soft tissue of the periungual fold is removed, and then a bandage with an antiseptic is applied. If pus has accumulated under the base of the nail, the nail plate is removed. After the operation, you need to apply bandages with ointment. The same is done for subungual felon.
Tendon panaritium can sometimes be treated conservatively by puncture of the tendon sheath with aspiration of purulent contents and administration of an antibiotic. But in most cases it is still necessary to resort to surgical intervention. The surgeon makes parallel incisions on the proximal and middle phalanges, then opens the tendon sheath. The wound is washed and drained through. After surgery, the vagina is regularly washed with antiseptics. If the tendon dies, it is removed.
With bone felon, the surgeon makes longitudinal parallel incisions, removes necrotic soft tissue, as well as destroyed bone. In this case, the base of the phalanx must be preserved, since it is thanks to it that bone tissue regeneration is possible in the future. And with articular panaritium, the surgeon removes the affected joint with the prospect of creating arthrodesis in the future.
In case of pandactylitis, in order to save the finger, the surgeon removes fragments of bones and cartilage, as well as opening pockets and leaks with their drainage. But, unfortunately, in many cases it is necessary to amputate the finger.
Grigorova Valeria, medical observer
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Cellulitis is an acute purulent inflammation of fatty tissue that does not have clear boundaries. The adipose tissue surrounding various organs, nerves and blood vessels communicates with nearby areas. Therefore, a purulent process, having arisen in one place, can very quickly spread to neighboring areas, causing damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, bones and internal organs.
Depending on the area of damage, subcutaneous, subfascial, axillary, retroperitoneal phlegmon, as well as phlegmon of the hand and foot are distinguished. Inflammation of the perinephric tissue is called paranephritis, in the rectal area - paraproctitis, in the lumbar region - psoitis, and with a purulent process in the adipose tissue around the lymph node, adenophlegmon develops.
The immediate cause of phlegmon is the rapid proliferation of pathogenic organisms, such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as clostridia, E. coli and other microorganisms.
Microbes can penetrate fatty tissue in various ways. The most common method is due to a violation of the integrity of the skin due to trauma, injury, as well as during surgical incisions or when performing injections of medications. Also, the infectious agent can enter the adipose tissue through the blood or lymph flow. At the same time, there is a contact route of infection when a purulent focus breaks through from the affected organ into nearby adipose tissue. An untreated limited process, for example, an abscess, a carbuncle, can also become widespread under certain conditions.
Typically, the body seeks to limit any inflammation that occurs by forming a capsule. In conditions of decreased immunity, for example, with exhaustion, long-term chronic diseases, with alcoholism, the formation of a protective capsule does not occur, and the purulent process initially tends to spread. On the other hand, many bacteria, most often clostridia and non-clostridial flora, during their life activity secrete special substances that dissolve the protective membrane, which also leads to the spread of inflammation.
The external manifestations of phlegmon are quite typical. Based on their location, all phlegmons are conventionally divided into superficial (tissues up to the muscle layer are affected) and deep (tissues deeper than the muscle layer, between the muscles and fatty tissue located around the internal organs are affected).
Superficial phlegmon is characterized by intense pain in the area of inflammation, swelling, edema, and induration. When the skin is involved in a pathological process, redness and a local increase in temperature develop.
Also, enlargement and tenderness of nearby lymph nodes is detected - regional lymphadenitis. General symptoms of body poisoning appear very quickly - fever up to 38-40 degrees, chills, severe general weakness, dry mouth, thirst.
With deep phlegmon , as a rule, general symptoms prevail over local ones. Body temperature can reach 40-42 degrees, with chills, lethargy, and drowsiness. As a result of the toxic effect of microorganisms, early disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system (decrease in blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, increased heart rate, and then, as the disease progresses, a decrease in heart rate), respiratory system (impaired breathing, shortness of breath at rest or with slight physical exertion), and excretory system develop early. system (decreased amount of urine up to its complete absence, nausea, vomiting). The presence of deep phlegmon is indicated by an increase in the size of a particular area compared to a symmetrical healthy area and pain when palpated.
A dysfunction of a nearby organ may be detected, for example, a psoas symptom is involuntary painful flexion and outward rotation of the hip when raising a straight leg with phlegmon in the area of the iliopsoas muscle.
Inflammation of the fatty tissue around the internal organs is characterized by pronounced symptoms of poisoning of the body; dysfunction of this organ is possible in the complete absence of external manifestations.
Diagnosis of superficial phlegmon, given the pronounced external manifestations, does not present any particular difficulties. Deep phlegmons are usually detected by ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of suspicious areas. In unclear cases, the priority method is diagnostic puncture (tissue puncture to obtain pus from the pathological focus).
As a rule, microorganisms that cause phlegmon are very aggressive, and only timely contact with a surgeon will prevent the spread of infection and the development of poisoning of the body. If phlegmon is suspected, urgent hospitalization is necessary.
• Stay at home and wait for a favorable completion of the process;
• Use warm compresses, as this leads to the spread of infection;
• Apply ointments, gels in the area of redness and soreness;
• Take analgesics before visiting the doctor. Pain is an important sign for determining the location of cellulitis;
• Take aspirin for pain relief. The analgesic effect is very weak, but bleeding increases significantly, which can complicate the operation;
• Uncontrolled use of antibiotics, not knowing the nature of the pathogen.
Treatment of phlegmon is usually surgical. The main principle of treatment is removal of the purulent focus. Taking into account the location of the inflammation, one or more incisions are made, and the pus is removed by washing the area with a large amount of antiseptic solution.
Surgical treatment of phlegmon.
If necessary, rinsing is repeated. In the postoperative period, antibiotics and drugs that enhance immunity are prescribed.
If treatment is not treated in a timely manner, such general complications as sepsis (the entry of microorganisms into the blood and the spread of infection throughout the body), thrombophlebitis (purulent inflammation of the veins with the formation of blood clots and microabscesses), purulent arteritis (destruction of the artery wall by microorganisms with the development of massive bleeding, which is very difficult) are possible. stop), secondary purulent leaks as the process spreads. Depending on the location of the phlegmon, specific complications are also identified, for example, purulent meningitis (inflammation of the meninges) with phlegmon of the orbit, or mediastinitis (inflammation of the mediastinal organs) with phlegmon of the neck.
Prevention of the occurrence of phlegmon consists of providing timely and high-quality first aid in case of violation of the integrity of the skin (washing the wound with an antiseptic solution, for example, chlorhexidine, treating the edges of the wound with an iodine solution, applying a sterile bandage).
The human legs are a complex mechanism consisting of 26 bones, 33 joints, 126 muscles, and ligaments of nerves. It is a resilient system of the body that can support a person’s weight.
Every seventh person on the planet suffers from foot pain. Unfortunately, people go to the doctor when the process has already started, perceiving the first painful sensations simply as a bruise.
The appearance of a lump and pain on the foot are symptoms of serious problems in the body. Delayed treatment leads to lameness.
Physical causes of tightness and pain in the foot include:
A common cause of discomfort and pain. Thickening of keratinized dead skin tissue on the soles of the feet is a consequence of uncomfortable shoes, excess weight, flat feet, excessive sweating of the feet, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Corns are: convex, flat, dry, with a core. They have a yellow-brown tint, a rough skin surface with reduced sensitivity. Sometimes cracks occur and pain occurs during physical activity.
keratinization of the skin of the legs
If treatment is not timely, deformation of the foot, displacement, and enlargement of the big toe occur. This position causes pain. Treatment is possible at home, using traditional methods and surgery.
Skin thickening on the toes and heels of the foot causes pain when pressed. Unlike corns, they have a certain outline, round, not large.
Calluses have a dry appearance and a wet appearance. Wet calluses often leak blood; the fluid that accumulates there appears as a result of tissue damage. Wet calluses transform into dry calluses with deep roots.
Treating calluses is a long process and can be done at home or through surgery.
You cannot cut off corns and calluses at home!
Traditional medicine prescribes antibiotics for inflammation and infection in the leg. In severe cases, surgery is possible.
The reasons for the appearance of corns and calluses are uncomfortable shoes, flat feet, physical damage. This is the process of the skin's protective mechanism in the area of friction and excessive pressure.
Treatment with folk remedies provides results, subject to hygiene rules and careful attention to the condition of the feet.
Refers to infectious causes of compaction under the skin. Warts are viral infections that occur in fleshy growths and are classified as benign neoplasms.
In appearance they resemble a callus. They have the same skin color, the surface of the foot is rough to the touch. On the other hand, the skin of the feet is softer; pain when pressing on the wart gives the feeling of having a sharp pebble in the shoe. A distinctive feature of warts is a dark dot in the center; if it is deep, it is difficult to see with the naked eye.
The cause of warts is the human papillomavirus, of which there are more than 100 strains. Warts on the feet are caused by the first 4 types of HPV and weak body immunity.
The virus strains that cause plantar warts are not contagious. The virus is not transmitted from person to person and thrives in warm, moist environments. To spread, it requires an entry point—a small abrasion on the foot—to enter the body. When a wart appears depends on the immune system.
It is believed that when warts are removed surgically or traditionally, the disease goes away. This is wrong. Without getting rid of the virus, the likelihood of warts returning is high. The doctor performs a tissue biopsy to ensure that the structure is benign. Warts often disappear without surgery. In acute forms of the disease it is necessary.
Remember! After foot surgery, healing is slow and the roots of the wart are deep. Causes pain when pressure is applied to the foot. Subsequently, careful skin care is needed.
The seal under the skin is soft to the touch and movable. Occurs when the sebaceous gland becomes inflamed. It often doesn't hurt. When inflamed, it causes pain. Leads to foot deformation. With constant stress, the likelihood of pain is high.
They are treated with folk remedies and surgery. Recurrence of the disease is possible. The main thing is to maintain foot hygiene and avoid injury so that the seal does not reappear. Maintain your immune system at the proper level, maintain foot hygiene, and don’t forget about comfortable, high-quality shoes.
The disease is considered a chronic cause of the appearance of compaction under the skin. A disruption in the process of blood outflow leads to the formation of a clot. The vein becomes inflamed and forms a lump. Dark blue bumps appear on the skin, and pain occurs when pressed.
Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Venous diseases of the body as a whole are also treated.
The rounded, gel-like contents of a benign tumor in the periarticular area of the joint. Determined by palpation. A round lump under the skin, soft and elastic to the touch. The cause of the disease is bursitis.
Bunions cause pain and swelling that increases throughout the day. The disease occurs when there is inflammation in the synovial bursa (bursa). When there is a constant accumulation of fluid in the sac of the heel bone, the bursa increases in size. The surface of the skin above the walls becomes rougher and thickens. The place of the tendon under the skin will be inflamed, the leg will hurt during physical activity.
Treatment requires rest for the inflamed joint, physiotherapy, and comfortable shoes. In the chronic stage, a puncture of the bursa is prescribed, the cavity is washed with antibiotic solutions, and treatment with hormonal drugs. A purulent wound on the foot is treated according to generally accepted rules.
Often occurs with diabetes mellitus. A wound, a crack in the foot, becomes the cause of suppuration. Boils and carbuncles often appear, and wounds heal slowly.
Cellulitis on the leg resembles a carbuncle. My leg hurts a lot. At the first symptoms, the person is sent to the hospital. Treatment is complex and can result in limb amputation or death.
Calcium deposition, when developed, provokes the growth of the heel bone. The soft tissues in the foot become irritated, swell, put pressure on the nerves, and cause pain. Increases with age, fatty tissue wears away on the bottom of the foot.
Treatment is reduced to the prescription of external medications, and, if necessary, drug blockades are carried out. Drugs administered orally eliminate the syndrome and relieve inflammation. If the methods do not help, surgical treatment is necessary.
Heel spur treatment
This is a group of dermatoses that provoke a disruption of the keratinization process. A rare disease, the causes are unknown. It presents as hard yellow-brown bumps above the skin with small depressions, sometimes the skin takes on the appearance of horn-like protrusions. It is believed that they are caused by mutations occurring in genes. Treated like autoimmune diseases. The disease lasts throughout life. The leg does not hurt, itching and discomfort are constantly present.
Lumps under the skin of the feet cause severe discomfort. The causes of compactions are injuries, exacerbation of diseases, metabolic disorders, and infections. Sometimes painful neoplasms are harbingers of inflammatory processes in the body.
The areas of the foot are associated with the functioning of internal organs; a healthy foot is a sign of health. Therefore, you need to take care of your feet.
Don't forget about prevention. It is divided into two types:
hygiene rules; physical exercise.
Keep your feet clean. Pamper your feet with herbal baths and rubs. Wear comfortable shoes. If you must wear stilettos, give your feet a rest. It is better to have replacement shoes. Buy socks made from natural materials, allowing your feet to breathe.
Good for the feet: cycling, running, swimming, skiing. Special gymnastics for the feet. Not complicated, doesn’t take much time. Massage, self-massage. Walking barefoot on the grass, sand.
Remember! Physical injuries: abrasions, cuts, wounds on the foot must be carefully treated. The skin on the foot is thick and requires care. A person may forget about the injury; the appearance of a lump on the foot later may not be associated with an old injury. The skin on your feet is not something to joke about!
By following the recommendations, you will ensure the health of your feet and body.
Why did a lump appear on my leg (under the skin)? What to do?
The life of a modern person is filled as much as possible with all kinds of activities related to work, household chores, sports, and study. A lot of the burden in all this falls on the legs. But over the years, a person notices that they suddenly begin to “refuse” the loads that are usual for these parts of the body - either the joints hurt, or a lump appears on the leg under the skin, or the veins are bothered. Of course, I immediately want to know how this could happen. What to do to regain your health? Which doctor should I contact?
The formation of so-called “bumps” on the legs is a fairly common occurrence. What are the symptoms?
Usually the first appearance of such a neoplasm does not cause alarm, and the person does not consult a doctor. Concern arises when a lump on the leg under the skin begins to rapidly increase in size and cause severe pain. In addition, inflammation and suppuration appear. The ugly appearance during such a process is also important.
Cones can be very different due to their origin, appearance, location on the legs. They can be single or numerous, hard or soft to the touch, reddened or ulcerated, painful or not. Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.
Lumps on the legs have a variety of causes - lipid metabolism disorders, enlarged lymph nodes, skin cancer, cysts, lipomas, fibromas, moles, warts and much more.
Treatment methods directly depend on the causes of the disease, and only a doctor knows about them. Therefore, you should immediately contact a dermatologist, infectious disease specialist, dermatovenereologist or oncologist.
You should not ignore one of the most common diseases associated with the growth of a “bump” or “bone” on the legs. In medicine, it refers to ailments of the musculoskeletal system and is called “forefoot deformity.” What are the causes of this disease?
A bump on the foot (under the skin) appears as a result of improper position of the joints of the foot. And wearing uncomfortable shoes often leads to this. The perverted position of the joints entails not only the growth of the bump, but also the curvature of the toes, the appearance of calluses, corns, and flat feet. All this is accompanied by discomfort and severe pain.
The reasons for the appearance of such bumps are different. One of the main ones is the wrong shoes. It has been noticed that the problem concerns women in 98% of cases, and only in 2% does the disease develop in men. Why is this happening? There is no need to talk about the difference in the models of men's and women's shoes. And if we consider the statistics of the disease only in women, then it is as follows: 50% of all representatives of the fairer sex have noted signs of or suffer from similar diseases.
Constantly wearing high-heeled shoes, childbirth, professional characteristics, increased stress on the legs, age - all this will certainly give a negative result after some time. If a woman does not want a lump on her foot under the skin to become a real problem for her in the future, it is necessary today to reconsider her attitude towards shoes, loads, and lifestyle.
The issue of treatment of the disease must be decided with an orthopedic doctor. Methods of restoring health will depend on the stages of development of the disease.
In the initial stages, changing shoes, some physiotherapeutic procedures, and traditional medicine can be an effective remedy.
If the disease has become more serious, then corrective insoles, instep supports, interdigital ridges, and clamps are added to the listed methods.
The most complex forms of such deviations from the norm are treated by surgery after special studies. Surgery is recommended only in the most extreme cases.
During the development of high technologies, one should not discount the centuries-old experience of folk wisdom and knowledge. Grandmothers' advice is sometimes very simple, but effective.
You can try to get rid of bumps on the legs and pain that accompany the disease in several ways:
— Propolis compress.
— Wrapping with cabbage leaves.
— Compress made from raw potato pulp, foot baths.
— Massage with laundry soap.
- Lubrication with camphor oil.
— Decoctions, infusions of herbs for internal use (bearberry, horsetail, birch buds, lingonberries).
It is advisable to do compresses, as well as baths, every day before bed. One and a half to two months of persistent treatment will definitely give a positive result.
The best effect can be obtained if the procedures are carried out several times a day. At the same time, reduce the load on your legs.
During treatment, experts recommend excluding smoked, salted and fried foods from the diet. Consume more plant and dairy products. Blueberries and stone fruits are very useful. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (up to 2 liters per day). It is necessary to exclude the consumption of alcoholic beverages of any strength, as well as juices or cocktails of unnatural origin.
Losing excess weight will have a beneficial effect on treatment. All procedures should be carried out only after consultation with a doctor.
Almost every person has encountered the phenomenon of bunions on the feet. As long as they don't bother you, no one pays serious attention to them. But as soon as the lump on the foot begins to hurt or cause discomfort when walking, a person begins to wonder what it is and how to deal with it? There are several types of illness, which manifest themselves individually.
With active walking or illness, various seals may appear on the feet.
The appearance of bunions on the foot causes discomfort to a person, pain when walking, and spoils the aesthetic appearance. Lumps under the skin on the legs have different causes and look like a dense lump.
Types of problems, depending on location, are summarized in the table: