Cellulitis Flashcards
What is cellulitis?
It is defined as a bacterial infection that affects the dermis and deeper subcutaneous tissues
Which area of the body is most commonly affected by cellulitis?
Shins
What are the three bacterial organisms associated with cellulitis?
Streptococcus Pyogenes
Staphylococcus Aureus
Streptococcus Dysgalactiae
What is the most common bacterial organism associated with cellulitis?
Streptococcus Pyogenes
What classification system is used in cellulitis?
Eron Classification System
What are the four classifications of cellulitis?
Cellulitis Class One
Cellulitis Class Two
Cellulitis Class Three
Cellulitis Class Four
What is cellulitis class one?
It is defined as infection in which there are no signs of systemic toxicity, and the individual has no uncontrolled co-morbidities
What cellulitis class two?
It is defined as infection in which the individual is systemically unwell or systemically well, however with a co-morbidity which may complicate or delay resolution of infection – including peripheral arterial disease, chronic venous insufficiency or morbid obesity
What is cellulitis class three?
It is defined as infection in which the individual has significant systemic upset, with features of acute confusion, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension
OR
It is defined as an infection in which the individual has unstable co-morbidities that may interfere with a response to treatment
OR
It is defined as an infection in which there is a limb-threatening infection due to vascular compromise
What is cellulitis class four?
It is defined as infection in which the individual has developed sepsis or a severe life threatening infection
What are the four risk factors associated with cellulitis?
Skin Trauma
Eczematous Skin
Skin Ulceration
Fungal Nail Infections
Are the clinical features of cellulitis unilateral or bilateral?
Unilateral
What are the seven clinical features of cellulitis?
Fever > 38C
Erythematous Skin
Warm Skin
Thickened Skin
Oedematous Skin
Blisters & Bullae
Golden Yellow Crust
What are bullae?
They are defined as fluid filled blisters
What does golden yellow crust indicate in cellulitis?
It indicates that the infection is associated with staph. aureus
How is cellulitis diagnosed?
Clinically
In primary care, no further investigations are required and antibiotics should be administered immediately
In which circumstance are investigations required to investigate cellulitis? Which investigation should be conducted?
When individuals are admitted to secondary care, due to suspected septicaemia
Blood cultures
What is the first line management option of mild/moderate cellulitis?
Beta Lactam Antibiotics
Name the beta-lactam antibiotic used to manage cellulitis
Flucloxacillin
What is the second line management option of mild/moderate cellulitis?
Marcolide Antibiotics
Name the three macrolide antibiotics used to manage cellulitis
Erythromycin
Clarithromycin
Doxycycline
What antibiotic is used to manage cellulitis in pregnancy?
Erythromycin
In which seven circumstances is secondary care admission of cellulitis recommended?
Cellulitis Class III & IV
Severe Or Rapidly Deteriorating Cellulitis
Significant Lymphoedema
Facial Cellulitis Or Periorbital Cellulitis
Individuals < 1 Years Old
Frail Patients
Immunocompromised
Why is secondary care admission requried to manage cellulitis?
IV antibiotic administration
