7. CELLULITIS AND ABSCESSES

The epinephrine auto-injector consists of a pencil that comes loaded with enough adrenaline for one patient. All you have to do is remove the safety catch and press the pencil on the middle of the thigh, and the injection will be triggered.

Once injected, the patient should improve within the next half hour. If the symptoms continue, a second injection can be given. Ninety-five percent of cases that do not respond completely to the first dose will respond to the second. If you are able to seek specialized help by this time, explain the number of injections given and the symptoms the patient had. If not, continue strict monitoring of that person for at least 24 hours.

AngelHM, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Cellulitis is a very common bacterial skin infection that produces signs of inflammation, progresses very rapidly if not treated immediately, and can lead to abscesses. The skin retains a number of bacteria that make up the socalled bacterial flora. Under normal conditions, these microorganisms do not produce infections, but if the skin suffers a wound or cut, these bacteria can easily infect it. This is why it is recommended to clean the skin immediately if you have a cut, a sting, or an injury. In addition to this, one must take into account the changes that occur in the skin in terms of temperature, color, and degree of inflammation. The skin should be cleaned with soap and water, and if the wound is very large, honey, which is a powerful bacteriostatic, can be used. My experience with honey is excellent, even in diabetic patients, who are more prone to infection. I always recommend it. Signs of inflammation occur about three hours after the injury. They include an indurated, red, hot, and painful area near the wound site. As these bacteria normally live on the skin, they infect quickly, and this contamination progresses within a few hours. When left unattended, it can even form a collection of pus that we know as an abscess.

Pshawnoah, CC BY-SA 3.0