Cellulitis and Erysipelas Flashcards
Define cellulitis.
Cellulitis is an acute spreading infection of the skin with visually indistinct borders that principally involves the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is characterised by erythema, oedema, warmth, and tenderness, and commonly occurs in an extremity.
Define erysipelas.
Erysipelas is a distinct form of superficial cellulitis with notable lymphatic involvement and is raised, sharply demarcating it from uninvolved skin.
Explain the aetiology/risk factors of cellulitis and erysipelas.
Prior episode of cellulitis
Ulcer/wound
Dermatosis
Tinea pedis interdigitalis
Lymphoedema
Venous insufficiency/chronic leg oedema
Summarise the epidemiology of cellulitis and erysipelas.
Cellulitis is a common condition; a general practice with approximately 2000 people will have about 30 consultations for ‘cellulitis and abscess’ each year.
Recognise the presenting symptoms of cellulitis and erysipelas. Recognise the signs of cellulitis and erysipelas on physical examination.
Skin discomfort
Macular erythema with indistinct borders on the skin
Disruption of cutaneous barrier
Raised erythema with clearly demarcated margins (erysipelas)
Identify appropriate investigations for cellulitis and erysipelas and interpret the results.
FBC
Purulent focus culture and molecular diagnostic procedures
Generate a management plan for cellulitis and erysipelas.
1st line: Parenteral antibiotic with MRSA cover
Plus:
Antibiotic with Pseudomonas cover if immunocompromised
Identify the possible complications of cellulitis and erysipelas and its management.
Sepsis
Chronic oedema in affected extremity
Summarise the prognosis for patients with cellulitis and erysipelas.
The prognosis of cellulitis is excellent. Most episodes of cellulitis resolve with therapy, and major sequelae are absent. However, it is believed that an episode of cellulitis may leave residual damage to draining lymphatics and perhaps increase the likelihood of recurrence in the future.
