Cellulitis

Question 1

what is cellulitis

Answer 1

Severe inflammation of dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin

Acute inflammation

Question 2

patient risk factors

Answer 2

• Injury
• Weakened immune system
• Lymphedema
• Obesity
• History of cellulitis

Question 3

pathogens which cause cellulitis

Answer 3

Staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyrogenes (hot climate)

Question 4

Staphylococcus aureus

Answer 4

Question 5

Streptococcus pyrogenes (hot climate)

Answer 5

Question 7

patient symptoms and signs

Answer 7

• Localised
  
  • Rubor- redness
  • Tumor- swelling
  • Calor- heat
  • Dolor- pain
  • Pruritus- itch
  • Skin tightness
• Fever
• Fatigue

Question 8

mechanism of infection

Answer 8

puncture/bite wound

Question 9

Management of infection: diagnosis

Answer 9

blood (may not sure pathogen in blood straight away) or tissue culture

+

monitor temp and spread (draw around area)

Question 10

supportive treatment

Answer 10

painkillers

rest

fluids

Question 11

first line antibiotics

Answer 11

Flucloxacillin (PO 500mg QDs)

7 days

Question 12

MOA flucoxacillin

Answer 12

Inhibits cell wall synthesis

Question 13

if penicillin allergy

Answer 13

Doxycycline if penicillin allergy

Shouldn’t be given to children <12, pregnant and breastfeeding women (causes staining of developing teeth)

Question 14

Why may bacteria not be found in blood but WCC be high?

Answer 14

Bacteria has not spread to blood yet- still localised at area of infection

Question 15

if neutrophils high

Answer 15

bacterial infection

Question 16

if glucose low

Answer 16

bacterial infection

Question 17

if lymphocytes high

Answer 17

think viral

Question 18

if glucose normal

Answer 18

think viral

Question 19

outcome of infection

Answer 19

Could cause sepsis

Usually complete recovery