Cellulitis

Question 1

what is cellulitis

Answer 1

acute spreading infection with undefined borders and it usually affects the dermis and subcutaneous layers of skin.

Question 2

what causes cellulitis

Answer 2

disruptions to the cutaneous barrier means microorganisms gain access to the subcutaneous and dermis layers of the skin

Question 3

causative agents

Answer 3

Beta haemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus

Question 4

what can disrupt the cutaneous barrier

Answer 4

insect bites (local lesions), penetrating injury and fissuring

Question 5

what causes orbital cellulitis

Answer 5

Haemophilus influenza

Question 6

risk factors

Answer 6

poor hygiene, skin breaks (e.g eczema), poor vascularisation (e.g. due to DM)

Question 7

presenting symptoms

Answer 7

acute onset of red, hot, swollen skin

pyrexia may show systemic spread

Question 8

investigations for cellulitis

Answer 8

Bloods (FBC, ESR, CRP, U&E’s) and culture and sensitivity

Question 9

1st line management

Answer 9

if suspected sepsis; follow sepsis 6

empirical antibiotic therapy