Cellulitis Flashcards
1
Q
What are the skin changes assoc. with cellulitis?
A
Red Hot Swollen Painful Tender Break in skin Pus or blood filled blisters
2
Q
What are the more systemic infestations of cellulitis?
A
Fever Rigors N&V Dizziness Confusion Tachycardia Cold, clammy, pale skin Unresponsiveness or LOC Tachypnoea Diarrhoea
3
Q
What are the causes of cellulitis?
A
Break in the skin:
- cut/graze
- burn
- human/animal/insect bite
- puncture wound
- leg ulcer
- dry and cracked skin - eczema/athletes foot
4
Q
Who is at increased risk of developing cellulitis?
A
Obese Poor circulation Weakened immune system Lymphoedema Poor diabetic control Previous cellulitis IVDU
5
Q
What is the treatment for mild cellulitis?
A
Fluclox - 1g qds for 7days (Pen allergic: doxycycline 100mg bd)
6
Q
What is the treatment for severe/septic cellulitis?
A
Fluclox 1g qds IV (2g if BMI >30) Vanc IV (doxycycline PO) if pen allergic
7
Q
What is the treatment for severe septic cellulitis/necrotising fasciitis?
A
flucloxacillin 2g IV qds + clindamycin 1.2g IV qds + gentamicin 7mg/kg IV
- Clindamycin 1.2g IV + gentamicin 7mg/kg IV if penicillin allergic
- The above + vancomycin if MRSA suspected
8
Q
Other than antibiotics what things can be done to treat cellulitis
A
Paracetamol +ibuprofen for pain Raise affected body part Regularly move joints near affected areas Drink fluids Avoid compression stockings
9
Q
What are the complications of cellulitis?
A
Septicaemia
Kidney damage
Leg ulcers
10
Q
How can cellulitis be prevented?
A
Moisturising dry skin Maintain healthy BMI ensure predisposing conditions well managed Keep cuts, grazes, bites clean Wash hands regulalry
