Soft Tissue Infection and Abscess Formation

Question 1

What is cellulitis?

Answer 1

Infection of the skin and soft tissues underneath

Question 2

Presentation of soft tissue infection

Answer 2

Erythema (red discolouration)

Warm or hot to touch

Tense

Thickened

Oedematous

Bullae (fluid-filled blisters)

A golden-yellow crust can be present and indicate a staphylococcus aureus infection

Question 3

Causes of skin infection

Answer 3

The most common causes are:
Staphylococcus aureus
Group A Streptococcus (mainly streptococcus pyogenes)
Group C Streptococcus (mainly Streptococcus dysgalactiae)

Other causes:
MRSA

Question 4

Classification system for the severity of cellulitis

Answer 4

Eron Classification

Class 1 – no systemic toxicity or comorbidity
Class 2 – systemic toxicity or comorbidity
Class 3 – significant systemic toxicity or significant comorbidity
Class 4 – sepsis or life-threatening

Admit the patient for intravenous antibiotics if they are class 3 or 4

Question 5

Antibiotics for cellulitis

Answer 5

Flucloxacillin

Alternatives:
Clarithromycin
Clindamycin
Co-amoxiclav