Cellulitis and erysipelas Flashcards
Define Cellulitis and erysipelas
Acute spreading infection of the skin with visually defined borders that involves dermis and subcut
Erysipelas-type of superficial cellulitis with lymphatic involvement–raised and dermarked from uninvolved skin
more superficial
Aetiology and risk factors of Cellulitis and erysipelas
Disruption of cutaneous barrier (cuts/bites/eczema)
classic-B haemolytic streptococcus and staph aureus
altered immunity can have weird immunity
Eryspelas-Streptococcus pyogenes and staph aureus
risk factor- Diabetes Venous insuficiency Eczea Odema obesity
Epidiemology of Cellulitis and erysipelas
Common -300 000 per year
Signs and Sx of Cellulitis and erysipelas
Acute onset of red, swollen, painful, hot skin
Erysipelas-usually face and lower limb-
Very red, raised with small vesicule of surface
Typically-UNILATERAL
can see blistering/bleeding
orange peel appearance-orange spots where hair follicles are
signs of recent trauma
staph aureus-orange crusty gold appearance
if around nose/mouth/eyes-need specialist ophtalmo
always look for signs of sepsis-fever, hypotenuse, tachy
Relevant Hx-immune status
travel Hx, Hobbies
recent trauma
Investigations of Cellulitis and erysipelas
CLINICAL diagnosis if not in a patient with multi-morbidities
FBC-raised WBC
CRP-raised
Blood cultures only if need admission
Management of Cellulitis and erysipelas
always look for signs of sepsis
before treating-use pen to outline area so can see changes
generally give flucloxicillin
If can’t-clarythro/doxycylin
oral fine if they can manage
Complications of Cellulitis and erysipelas
Sepsis-bad Necotising fasciitis Chronic oedema in the site, repeat infections periorbital-needs priority
Prognosis of Cellulitis and erysipelas
amazing and really good in 99.9%
resolves fully and no long term issues
but can increase future recurrence
