Blood poisoning, or septicemia, is a most serious condition on which toxic or poisonous material find their way directly into bloodstream, and by this means the poisons are spread to all parts of the body. The human body has strong defense barriers against inflammatory disease. These include the skin, subcutaneous tissue, white blood cells, antibodies. When these are overwhelmed by some serious infection, the toxic materials are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, causing localized inflammation, or cellulitis, in other parts of the body, such as the lower extremities and pelvic areas.

The spread of infection may be rapid, especially if there is some injury or weaks in the body , or if the patient is in a rundown condition. Usually there is a fever with chills, weakness, and headache. The local area may be red, swollen, painful, and hot. Keep the patient in the bed and apply hot moist dressings over the inflamed area. Antibiotics, such as penicillin, sulfa, or tetracycline, are advisable. These should be given in large doses until the patient is entirely well.