Cellulitis Flashcards
What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the dermis and the deeper subcutaneous tissues.
What are the common causes of cellulitis?
Cellulitis is most commonly caused by infection with Streptococcus pyogenes or less commonly Staphylococcus aureus.
How is cellulitis usually diagnosed?
Cellulitis is usually diagnosed clinically.
What is the typical treatment for cellulitis?
The majority of cases resolve with oral antibiotics.
Where does cellulitis commonly occur?
Cellulitis commonly occurs on the shins.
Is cellulitis usually unilateral or bilateral?
Cellulitis is usually unilateral; bilateral cellulitis is rare and suggests an alternative diagnosis.
What are some features of cellulitis?
Features include erythema, generally well-defined margins, blisters and bullae in severe cases, swelling, systemic upset, fever, malaise, and nausea.
What is the Eron classification system used for?
The Eron classification system is used to guide the management of patients with cellulitis.
What are the features of Eron Class I cellulitis?
Class I has no signs of systemic toxicity and the person has no uncontrolled co-morbidities.
What are the features of Eron Class II cellulitis?
Class II involves either being systemically unwell or systemically well but with a co-morbidity that may complicate or delay resolution.
What are the features of Eron Class III cellulitis?
Class III includes significant systemic upset such as acute confusion, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension, or unstable co-morbidities.
What are the features of Eron Class IV cellulitis?
Class IV involves sepsis syndrome or a severe life-threatening infection such as necrotizing fasciitis.
When should patients with cellulitis be admitted for intravenous antibiotics?
Patients should be admitted if they have Eron Class III or IV cellulitis, severe or rapidly deteriorating cellulitis, are very young or frail, are immunocompromised, have significant lymphoedema, or have facial or periorbital cellulitis.
What is recommended for Eron Class II cellulitis?
Admission may not be necessary if facilities and expertise are available in the community to give intravenous antibiotics and monitor the person.
What is the first-line treatment for Eron Class I cellulitis?
Oral flucloxacillin is recommended as first-line treatment for mild/moderate cellulitis.
