More than 14 million Americans develop cellulitis every year, and it represents just one of the many types of soft tissue infections. The team at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY provides intensive wound care, medications, and surgical intervention when needed to treat dangerous soft tissue infections and prevent them from spreading. Don’t wait to seek treatment for an infection. At the first signs, call one of the three New York City offices in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Astoria area of Queens, and Bayside neighborhood in Flushing, or book an appointment online right away.
Soft Tissue Infections
What are soft tissue infections?
Soft tissue infections develop in your skin, connective tissues, and muscles. Many types of bacteria cause soft tissue infections, but the most common is Staphylococcus aureus.
Am I at risk for a soft tissue infection?
Anyone can contract a soft tissue infection when a cut, rash, or scratching an itch breaks the skin and creates an opening for microorganisms.
Your chances of developing a soft tissue infection increase if you have peripheral vascular disease, cardiovascular disease, or peripheral neuropathy.
People with diabetes have double the number of soft tissue infections compared to those who don’t. High blood sugar weakens the immune system and increases the risk of infections.
What type of soft tissue infection might I develop?
Soft tissue infections fall into three categories, uncomplicated, complicated, and necrotizing fasciitis.
These conditions usually represent uncomplicated soft tissue infections:
- Cellulitis
- Folliculitis
- Carbuncles
- Furunculosis
- Simple abscesses
- Minor wound infections
- Impetigo
However, many uncomplicated infections can turn into complex problems if they go untreated and spread.
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections involve deeper tissues. A few of the most common complicated infections include abscesses, infected burns and ulcers, and infections in people with diabetes. These infections can lead to gangrene and amputation or progressively spread to become life-threatening.
Necrotizing fasciitis, also called flesh-eating disease, is a rare and potentially deadly disease. That infection represents a medical emergency as it develops suddenly and spreads rapidly.
What symptoms occur due to a soft tissue infection?
Soft tissue infections cause:
- Pain
- Red skin
- Tenderness
- Warm-feeling skin
- Swelling and inflammation
- Hardened areas of tissue
As the infection gets worse or spreads, you may also develop a fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
How are soft tissue infections treated?
Your treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection, as well as your overall health. Uncomplicated soft tissue infections in a healthy person usually respond well to basic wound care and a round of antibiotics.
More complicated infections demand intensive wound care and, in many cases, surgical intervention. Severe infections require treatments such as debridement, drainage, and intravenous medications.
Surgical Specialists of Greater NY offer comprehensive care for painful infections in the office or hospital, depending on the severity of your condition.
Don’t wait to see if an infection gets worse. At the first sign of a soft tissue infection, call Surgical Specialists of Greater NY or book an appointment online.