Cellulitis Flashcards
What is cellulitis?
Severe inflammation of the dermal and subcutaneous skin layers.
What pathogens can cause cellulitis?
Straphylococcus aureus.
Streptococcus pyogenes.
What is the mechanism of infection of cellulitis?
A breach of the physical skin barrier, more common in patients with impaired immune systems.
How can you diagnose cellulitis?
Based on the symptoms and signs, and with blood and tissue cultures.
What symptoms do people with cellulitis have?
Local swelling, redness, pain, heat and loss of function.
Fever and sweating.
Fatigued and itchy.
What is the supportive and specific treatment for cellulitis?
Supportive = anti-pyretics, painkillers, rest and fluids. A line should be drawn round the area of redness to see if it spreads.
Specific = flucloxicillin. If severe, give coamoxiclav.
What type of antibiotic is flucloxicillin and what is its mechanism of action?
It is a beta lactam that inhibits cell wall synthesis.
What complications could incur with cellulitis?
DVT, sepsis.
