Phlegmon

Phlegmon is an acute infection which takes hold and spreads throughout the superficial or deep connective tissue. It is characterized by oedema and hyperemia, devoid of limiting inflammatory walls, and festering tissue is scarce or absent, unlike an abscess. Phlegmon is usually caused by bacteria (eg. Staphylococci), which, after long, external exposure or directly via the blood, initiate the infective process. The infected area will be swollen, red, hot and painful, and fever, headache, and anorexia may be associated with limited functioning of the affected area. An important but non-specific laboratory datum is neutrophil leukocytosis. Phlegmon is treated with antibiotics by intramuscular injection, and, in cases of excessive oedema with excessive tissue tension, an incision (large and multiple) is necessary of the inflamed tissue with debridement.