A Single Site, Randomized, Single-Blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-Controlled Study to investigate reduction of inflammation using Intravenous Sodium Ascorbate in patients with Cellulitis

this study is being performed because patients are admitted to hospital for the treatment of Cellulitis. Cellulitis is a skin infection usually caused by a type of bacteria entering the skin, usually by way of a cut, abrasion, or break in the skin. This break does not need to be visible. The typical symptoms of Cellulitis are an area which is red, hot and is inflamed. While in hospital, patients diagnosed with lower limb Cellulitis are usually treated with antibiotics, rest and pain-killers, as well as receiving normal standard hospital care. The duration of a patient’s stay in hospital varies, but averages 5 days in hospital. Cellulitis is a skin infection and is associated with inflammation. Many infections, if caught early, respond to antibiotic therapy. However there is no specific therapy targeting the inflammatory component of Cellulitis. Systemic inflammation associated with Cellulitis generates large amounts of free-radicals and oxidative damage (stress to certain cells in your body). The ability of the body to fight such oxidative stress is dependent on your anti-oxidant system (protection of body cells from damaging effects). Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant, and it protects the body against oxidative stress. Vitamin C levels are reduced in the presence of low or high-grade systemic inflammation, such as Cellulitis.