"If You Keep Scratching Mosquito Bites" ... Prepare for 'Yeonjojikyeom' (Cellulitis)

Busan Daedong Hospital, Pus in Wounds is Dangerous... Prevent Bacterial Infection with Cold Compress and Disinfection

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-woo] It is the summer season when uninvited "guests" come swarming and leave "red stamps" on the skin. Scratching these mosquito bites can lead to a purulent inflammatory disease called "cellulitis," so caution is necessary.

On the 19th, Busan Daedong Hospital shares a bundle of wisdom on how to overcome mosquito-related diseases in summer.

With early early summer weather and frequent rain, the number of mosquitoes, the unwelcome guests of midsummer, is steadily increasing. Mr. A is scratching mosquito bites that he does not know where he got, several times a day due to itching. The scratched areas became red and swollen, and he began to feel a hot sensation, causing concern.

Due to the hot and humid weather, bacteria breed easily, and in summer when mosquitoes are rampant, if you scratch the itchy mosquito bites like Mr. A, you can commonly develop "cellulitis," a purulent inflammatory disease also known as erysipelas.

Cellulitis (erysipelas), a type of acute bacterial infection, occurs most frequently in summer when people wear short clothes and hygiene conditions tend to be poor due to the rainy season and heat.

As outdoor activities increase in summer, wounds or insect bites such as mosquito bites can easily lead to cellulitis through bacterial infection via the wounds. It is also common for various purulent skin diseases to occur when washing wounded skin with contaminated water, leading to bacterial infection.

According to data released by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in 2014, the number of cellulitis patients increased from about 998,000 in 2009 to about 1,152,000 in 2013, an increase of approximately 154,000 (15.5%) over five years, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

In particular, monthly analysis of cellulitis patients showed concentration in summer (July to September) compared to other seasons. August had the highest number of cases, and by body part, fingers and toes were the most affected. Recently, with the early start of hot and humid summer climate from mid-June, the occurrence period of cellulitis is also advancing.

Cellulitis is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus penetrating the tissue beneath the skin. In the early stages, there are often no distinct symptoms, so many people apply ointments or patches and overlook it.

Sometimes, cellulitis caused by fungal infection from athlete's foot is mistaken for athlete's foot, and antifungal ointments are applied. As a result, most patients visit the hospital late after their condition worsens.

Unlike common skin diseases, cellulitis occurs beneath the skin layer, so the affected area is wide and deep. Severe pain occurs at the wound site, the surrounding skin turns red and swells, and in severe cases, fever may develop and a hard lump can be felt under the wound.

If treatment is delayed, bacteria can spread throughout the body or to other areas, causing complications such as skin necrosis, purulent arthritis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis, which can rarely lead to death.

Cellulitis can occur anywhere there is a wound. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to personal hygiene to prevent bacterial infection at wound sites. Even without wounds, wearing shoes smaller than one's foot size and walking or exercising for long periods can cause cellulitis.

Treatment of cellulitis generally involves administering antibiotics and concurrent medication such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, which usually improve the condition. However, if treatment is delayed or inflammation spreads to other areas, hospitalization may be required.

Applying cold compresses with cold towels or ice packs and getting sufficient rest also helps treatment. Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes are at higher risk and need special care.

To prevent cellulitis, it is advisable to treat athlete's foot in advance and maintain thorough personal hygiene such as showering after outdoor activities to prevent infection.

For skin wounds occurring in summer, it is best to apply ointment after the wound is completely dry and cover it with a disinfectant bandage if possible. Since cellulitis often occurs from mosquito bites in summer, installing screens on windows, sinks, and drains to block mosquitoes from entering the house and eliminating standing water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding are recommended. Regular use of mosquito repellents and avoiding scratching mosquito bites are also necessary efforts.

Dr. Yoo Sung-ho, head of the Foot Center at Daedong Hospital (orthopedic specialist), said, "Cellulitis mainly appears on hands, feet, and legs, which frequently come into contact with infectious bacteria. If you feel itchy from mosquito bites in summer, cold compresses on the affected area are helpful rather than scratching," and advised, "If you have athlete's foot, it is better to treat it as the infection and recurrence rates are high."

He also said, "Squeezing pus from wounds on your own can worsen the condition, so it is important to visit a nearby hospital promptly for treatment," and added, "When visiting places prone to wounds and infections such as mountains or the sea in summer, it is important to wear long sleeves or rash guards rather than short sleeves, and if wounds occur, immediately disinfect and take measures to prevent bacterial infection."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.