Bacterial Cellulitis

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Bacterial infection of the skin

Question 2

Which part of the skin does it affect?

Answer 2

The lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue (where as impetigo affects the superficial epidermis)

Question 3

What causes it? (2)

Answer 3

Staphylococcus Aureus and Streptococcys Pyogenes

Question 4

What are some predisposing factors? (10)

Answer 4

Previous episodes, fissuring of toes/heels, venous disease, injury/trauma/surgical wounds, immunodeficiency, diabetes, chronic kidney/liver disease, obesity, pregnancy, alcoholism

Question 5

Signs and Symptoms (11)

Answer 5

unilateral, fever, chills, rigors, localised pain, erythema, swelling, warmth, blistering, erosions/ulcers, abscess formation

Question 6

What are some complications of cellulitis? (5)

Answer 6

Necrotising fascitis, Gas gangrene, severe sepsis, infection of other organs, endocarditis

Question 7

What is the treatment?

Answer 7

oral flucloxacillin, analgesia, rest and elevation, mark area of infection to monitor progression