Cellulitis and carbuncle are different in definition, site of occurrence, pathogenic bacterial infection, symptoms and signs, and the therapeutic drugs are basically similar.
1. Different definitions: cellulitis is an acute, diffuse, purulent inflammation that occurs under the skin, under the tissues, and in the interstitial space. Carbuncle is an acute bacterial inflammation of the hair follicle and its surroundings.
2. Different parts: cellulitis usually occurs in subcutaneous, subfascial, deep tissue, etc. Carbuncle usually occurs in multiple adjacent hair follicles and their surrounding tissues.
3. Different pathogenic bacterial infections: Cellulitis is mainly caused by Streptococcus B hemolyticus, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Carbuncle is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
4. Symptoms and signs are different: cellulitis is diffuse inflammation, involving deep tissues may have systemic symptoms, such as chills, high fever, headache, malaise and other symptoms, mainly including gas-producing subcutaneous cellulitis, neonatal hypoderma gangrenosum, fundus of the mouth, submandibular cellulitis. Carbuncle inflammation is mostly limited and with pus embolism, mainly in the elderly, and systemic symptoms are mild.
Whether cellulitis or carbuncle, should be timely consultation, under the guidance of the doctor for treatment, daily attention to personal hygiene, avoid spicy and stimulating food.