Erysipelas and Cellulitis

Question 1

What is it generally?

Define cellulitis

Define erysipelas

Answer 1

Spreading bacterial infection of the skin

Involves deep subcutaneous tissue

Acute superficial form of cellulitis and involves the dermis

Question 2

Causes

Risk factors - think about causes first

Answer 2

Strep progenies and aureus

Immunosuppression
Wounds
Leg ulcers
Minor skin injury

Question 3

Presentation:

Where?
Local signs of inflammation
Systemic symptoms (especially with E)

How is E distinguished from C

Answer 3

Lower limbs

Swelling
Erythema
Warmth
Pain

Fever
Malaise
Rigors

It has a well defined, red raised border

Question 4

Management:

Complications

Answer 4

Antibiotics - flucloxacillin/benzylpenicillin

Supportive care including rest, leg elevation, sterile dressings and analgesia

Local necrosis
Abscess
Sepsis