Phlegmon

General description of the disease

This is an acute purulent inflammation in adipose tissue, which does not have clearly defined boundaries, since it is characterized by the absence of a capsule, unlike an abscess, and therefore easily spreads to surrounding tissues, including tendons, bones and muscles. Translated from Greek, phlegmon means inflammation, fever.

As a rule, the development of phlegmon is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, but the causative agents of this pathology may be other microbes that enter the fiber through damage to the skin or mucous membranes.

This purulent inflammatory process can be, as a consequence of erysipelas, sepsis, osteomyelitis, and an independent disease.

Depending on the location, phlegmon are classified into:

1. 1 deep – inflammation spreads to deep cellular spaces;
2. 2 superficial – inflammation affects only the subcutaneous tissue.

The causes of phlegmon

The causes of this pathology are Staphylococcus aureus, pyogenic bacteria or streptococcus. They penetrate into the cell through mucous membranes and skin lesions. In addition, bacteria can spread from existing infectious foci such as boils, carious teeth, and inflamed glands. Sometimes phlegmon can be caused by chemicals (gasoline, kerosene) that get under the skin. The cause of the disease can be deep puncture wounds, burns, wounds from animal bites or gunshot wounds.

The likelihood of developing the disease increases with a decrease in immunity caused by chronic pathologies or immunodeficiency conditions. Phlegmon can be localized not only subcutaneously, but also in the axillary and submucosal space.

Types and symptoms of phlegmon

There are such types of phlegmon:

• serous – the border between inflamed and intact tissues is practically absent. Fiber resembles jelly; exudate is collected at the site of inflammation. A serous appearance with untimely therapy can transform into a purulent phlegmon;
• purulent – the affected tissues melt, a yellowish or greenish pus is formed. Fistulas, cavities and abscesses form in the melted tissue. The inflammatory process can affect bones, muscles and tendons, which are subsequently impregnated with purulent masses and are also destroyed;
• putrid – differs in the melting of tissues, which become slippery, loose, acquire a brown-brown tint, while gases with an unpleasant odor are formed. The melting of tissues with putrid phlegmon is accompanied by severe intoxication;
• anaerobic – is a serous inflammation, in which areas of necrosis are formed, and gases with a putrid odor are emitted from the decaying gray tissues. When probing the skin, a crunch is clearly audible, which is caused by gases formed under the skin;
• necrotic – the formation of areas of necrosis, which are rejected or destroyed, leaving wounds. This type of phlegmon separates the leukocyte shaft from healthy tissues. At the site of the focus of inflammation, abscesses are formed.

All the types of pathology presented are acute, accompanied by general intoxication and progress quickly enough. In this case, the patient’s temperature rises to 39 degrees and above, he is worried about thirst, headache, fever and other signs of intoxication.

If the inflammatory process affects only the skin, then we are talking about the superficial form of the disease. In the affected area, the skin becomes hot, shiny, reddens, swells, painful sensations appear. Then, after the destruction of tissues, the inflamed area softens, and purulent masses either come out or affect nearby healthy tissues.

Deep phlegmon are accompanied by more pronounced symptoms, in addition to general signs of intoxication, bradycardia, hypotension, shortness of breath are observed, the skin becomes yellowish, and on the limbs it becomes bluish.

Prevention of phlegmon

Preventive measures include the following points:

1. 1 timely treatment of the skin in case of violation of their integrity – disinfecting the wound, applying iodine solution to the edges of the abrasion, applying a bandage;
2. 2 timely access to the dentist for caries;
3. 3 providing medical assistance in case of contact with foreign bodies under the skin;
4. 4 therapy of local infectious foci;
5. 5 prevention of injury;
6. 6 if you suspect phlegmon, consult a surgeon.

Complications with phlegmon

With incorrect or incorrectly prescribed therapy, pathogenic microorganisms enter the bloodstream, spread throughout the body, provoking the development of sepsis, thrombophlebitis, purulent arteritis (which can result in arterial bleeding), pleurisy, appendicitis or arthritis^[3]… If the phlegmon is located in the orbit, then purulent meningitis may develop. Untreated phlegmon of the foot can lead to amputation of the leg.

Treatment of phlegmon in official medicine

Cellulitis is a serious life-threatening condition. After the diagnosis is established, the patient must be hospitalized. At the first stage of the development of the disease, before the infiltration has formed, the patient is shown thermal physiotherapeutic procedures: heating pads, compresses, UHF.

The presence of a purulent infiltrate and accompanying symptoms in the form of fever is an indication for surgical intervention. The area of ​​inflammation is opened and drainage is installed to release purulent masses. During the autopsy, a large incision is made, dissecting even deep tissues, so the operation is performed under general anesthesia. After the discharge of pus, the wound is washed and drained, then a bandage is applied with ointments, which include an antibiotic. Immediately after the operation, it is recommended to use ointments on a water-soluble basis, since fatty ointments based on petroleum jelly impede the outflow of pus.

Necrolytic drugs are used to stimulate the rejection of dead tissue.^[4]… Then, to accelerate tissue regeneration, ointments based on troxevasin… When the wound begins to scar, it is treated with sea buckthorn oil.

If the wound is extensive and does not heal for a long time, then the patient is recommended dermoplasty. During treatment in the hospital, the patient is shown rest and bed rest, the affected area, if possible, should be located on an elevation, if necessary, injections with painkillers are prescribed.

Regardless of the stage of the disease or the localization of phlegmon, all patients are prescribed antibiotics, they are not canceled until the inflammatory process stops. To maintain the heart muscle, glucose droppers are used. Vitamin complexes, immunomodulating drugs, as well as drinking plenty of fluids are used as fortifying agents.

Attention!

The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!