Cellulitis

Question 1

Cellulitis

Answer 1

Non-necrotizing infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue

Question 2

Etiology

Answer 2

GABHS
Staph. aureus
H. influenzae, Strep. pneumoniae (children, pre-vaccine)
Gram-ve anaerobes (immunocompromised)
Vibrio vulnificus

Question 3

Risk Factor

Answer 3

1. Trauma - laceration, insect bites
2. Skin inflammation- eczema
3. Lymphatic occlusion
4. Immunocompromised
5. Venous insufficiency

Question 4

Clinical features

Answer 4

• Cardinal s/s of inflammation
• irregular margin (not well demarcated)
• erysipelas (well demarcated)
• violaceous colour, bullae (vibrio vulnificus)*aquatic

Question 5

Investigation

Answer 5

1. FBC - leucocytosis
2. CRP - Inflammatory marker, treatment respond monitoring
3. Blood c/s

Question 6

Imaging

Answer 6

1. X-ray

2. US: look for occult abscess

Question 7

Management

Answer 7

Pharmacological

1. Antibiotics:
   - beta lactam penicillin
   - cefazoline, cefuroxime
2. Antifungal:
   - if preexisting
3. Anti-pyretics

Non-pharmacological
1. Elevation and immobilization: reduce swelling