Cellulitis is an infection that’s most common in men between the ages of 45 and 65. Two out of five cases take place in the lower extremities, typically the lower leg. It affects about 25 out of every 1,000 people. With cellulitis, bacteria get in through a small opening in the skin and cause inflammation, swelling, and redness. It’s very painful. Sometimes, there is no visible wound, which can make it difficult to prevent. A skilled nursing care provider may be helpful in the treatment plan.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the blood and become life-threatening. Any cut or area on your dad’s body that is painful and inflamed needs to be addressed quickly and appropriately. He needs to see his doctor, and then you can determine what the treatment plan is.
Most cases of cellulitis are treated through outpatient services. Going to and from a clinic or medical office may not be ideal for your dad, have you asked his doctor about skilled nursing care as an option?
Wound Care Is Important
Prevention of cellulitis is best addressed through proper wound care. If your dad gets a cut or scratch, he wants to wash it in soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage.
If he’s diabetic, make sure he’s checking his feet for sores, cracks, and open wounds. They need to be cleaned and bandaged. Figure out what led to the sore or wound. If his shoes are too tight and causing blisters, he should have his feet professionally measured to ensure they’re not rubbing and impacting his feet.
Puncture wounds cannot be ignored. If he steps on a nail accidentally, talk to his doctor. Having the puncture wound professionally cleaned and dressed is best. Plus, if your dad’s tetanus shot isn’t up to date, it needs to be to prevent lockjaw.
Antibiotics Are the First Line of Treatment
When caught early, your dad’s doctor may recommend IV antibiotics or oral antibiotics. Oral antibiotics are used first and IV antibiotics are more common if the cellulitis is spreading. A circle is drawn around the area where the cellulitis is present to monitor if it is spreading or shrinking.
You can ask about having a skilled nurse available to administer the antibiotics in his house, where he’s most comfortable. The nurse can monitor the infection and report to the doctor if it is expanding outside the lines or not.
If antibiotics are not working, the nurse and your dad’s doctor can discuss different medications, stronger doses, and when he should return to the doctor’s office or hospital. If your dad has an open wound, his nurse can change the bandages, clean the wound, and examine if the infection is worsening.
Once you’ve talked to your dad’s doctor about the treatment plan, call a skilled nursing care advisor. Discuss what the doctor recommended, share the doctor’s contact information, and set up the initial visits with a skilled nurse at your dad’s home.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nioshtic-2/20037347.html
If you or a family member need to hire Skilled Nursing Care Services in Northport NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!
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