Impetigo, folliculitis and cellulitis Flashcards
What is cellulitis?
Spreading bacterial infection of the skin, involving the deep subcutaneous tissue
How does erysipelas differ to cellulitis?
Both are bacterial infections of the skin. Cellulitis affects deep subcutaneous tissues.
Erysipelas is an acute superficial form of cellulitis, involving the dermis and upper subcutaneous tissue
Causes of cellulitis?
Streptococcus pyogenes
Staphylococcus aureus
Risk factors for cellulitis?
Immunosuppression
Wounds
Leg ulcers
Minor skin injury
Presentation of cellulitis?
Most commonly involves LL
Local signs of inflammation - erythema, warmth, pain, swelling
Systemically unwell - fever, malaise, rigors
How is erysipelas physically distinguished from cellulitis?
Erysipelas has well define, red raised border
Management of cellulitis?
Abx - flucloxacillin (500-1000mg qds for 5-7 days) or benzylpenicillin
Supportive care - rest, leg elevation, sterile dressing, analgesia.
Manage RF for cellulitis - breaks in skin, skin blistering, venous ulcers
Complications of cellulitis?
Local necrosis
Abscess
Septicaemia
Osteomyelitis, necrotising fasciitis
Lymphagitis
Endocarditis
Meningitis
Presentation of impetigo?
Children
Thin, fluid filled blisters
Red sores
Ruptured blisters - yellow/golden crust
Itchy, painful
Common on face - on philtrum
Fever
Management of impetigo?
Localised - topical hydrogen peroxide cream, or fusidic acid cream
Short course of abx - flucloxacillin or clarithromycin
Hygiene measures for family: Do not share towels etc
RF for impetigo?
Young age
Breaks in skin
Close contact - schools
Poor hygiene
Complications of impetigo?
Highly infectious - do not attend wok/school until 48hrs post starting abx
Causative organisms in impetigo?
Staphylococcal and Streptococcal species
What is folliculitis?
Inflammation of hair follicle resulting in papules or pustules.
This is due to obstruction or flow disruption in pilosebaceous glands +/- infection.
Presentation of folliculitis?
Papules and pustules on the body - but not on palms of hands or soles of feet
Rash of papules/pustules may cause irritation, or may be pain-free
Commonly affect - axilla, beard, face, scalp, thighs, inguinal areas
