Written by: Jonine Möller, M.Sc. in Sport Science
Superficial cellulitis and abscess are bacterial skin infections commonly seen in clinical practice. While most of these infections are caused by specific bacteria, other factors contribute to the risk of developing these infections. One of the most important of these is genetics.
Cellulitis refers to any infection that spreads across the skin. An abscess is any collection of drainable pus within or under the skin. Streptococci bacteria infection is most frequently the cause of cellulitis. Symptoms are skin redness, warmth, swelling, and pain/tenderness.
Superficial cellulitis is most common on the lower extremities, and abscess formation is the most common complication. Involvement of both legs is very uncommon, and this should warrant further investigation for an alternative diagnosis.
Genetic factors influence the susceptibility to develop superficial cellulitis and abscess. Individuals with a family history of these infections are more likely to develop them than those without a family history. This suggests that certain genes are associated with a higher risk of developing these infections.
One specific gene implicated in the development of superficial cellulitis and abscess is the IL-1 gene. This gene is involved in the body's immune response and is thought to play a role in developing skin infections. Individuals who carry a specific variant of this gene are more likely to develop superficial cellulitis and abscess than those who do not.
Another gene implicated in the development of superficial cellulitis and abscess is the TNF-alpha gene. This gene is involved in the body's response to inflammation and is thought to play a role in developing skin infections. Individuals who carry a specific variant of this gene are more likely to develop superficial cellulitis and abscess than those who do not.
This genetic information does not impact the treatment of superficial cellulitis and abscesses other than increasing awareness of your risk for the infection so that you can seek medical attention sooner. The treatment of these infections is based on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria causing the infection. Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for these infections, and the choice of antibiotic is based on the susceptibility of the bacteria causing the infection.
In conclusion, the treatment of these infections remains focused on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria causing the infection. It is important for individuals with a family history of these infections to be vigilant about skin hygiene and seek prompt medical attention if they develop any signs or symptoms of skin infection.
Interested in trying the BioCertica Skin Care DNA kit? Click here and add Skin Care to your cart for only R1699.
If you own any other BioCertica DNA kit, you can instantly unlock your Skin Care results for only R599* in-app.
*Terms and conditions apply: Pharmacogenetics results are R1999 in-app.
