Cellulitis

Question 1

What is cellulitis.

Answer 1

A superficial skin infection.

Question 2

What organism is cellulitis usually caused by. (2)

Answer 2

Usually due to either staphylococcus or streptococcus subgroups.

Question 3

What predisposes to developing cellulitis. (3)

Answer 3

Predisposed by trauma, oedema or tinea pedis.

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of cellulitis. (5)

Answer 4

Painful, swelling, warmth and erythema over affected site.

Pyrexia.

Question 5

What is a complication of cellulitis.

Answer 5

Sepsis.

Question 6

What layers of the skin are particularly affected in cellulitis.

Answer 6

Dermis.

Subcutaneous fat.

Question 7

What are the risk factors for developing cellulitis. (14)

Answer 7

Predisposing conditions for cellulitis include:
Insect or spider bite.
Blistering
Animal bite.
Tattoos.
Pruritic skin rash.
Recent surgery.
Athlete's foot.
Dry skin.
Eczema.
Injecting drugs (especially subcutaneous or intramuscular injection or where an attempted intravenous injection "misses" or blows the vein).
Pregnancy
Diabetes.
Obesity, which can affect circulation.
As well as burns and boils.

Question 8

Who is most at risk from developing cellulitis. (5)

Answer 8

The elderly. 
Immunocompromised/suppressed. 
Diabetes. 
Poliomyelitis. 
Lymphedema.