Cellulitis/Erysipelas Disease Summary

Overview

Cellulitis is a diffuse, spreading bacterial skin infection that involves the subcutaneous tissues. On the other hand, erysipelas is a type of cellulitis with sharply demarcated margins that involve the epidermis and superficial lymphatics. These are stated in the Introduction section.

Cellulitis continues to place a substantial and rising strain on healthcare systems internationally. A detailed discussion about the prevalence of cellulitis is in the Epidemiology section.

Cellulitis is commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Discussion about these pathogens and other causes of cellulitis is in the Etiology section.  

The Pathophysiology section states that bacterial infection of the skin and underlying soft tissues usually occurs when they are introduced through a break in the integrity of the skin barrier. The development process of cellulitis in infected patients is in this section.

The predisposing factors of cellulitis and erysipelas are enumerated in the Risk Factors section.

Cellulitis Erysipelas_Disease Summary

History and Physical Examination

The Clinical Presentation section describes the clinical features of cellulitis based on its classifications.

The History section describes the signs and symptoms of cellulitis, while the Physical Examination section enumerates the importance of location, extent and monitoring of the resolution or progression of cellulitis and other systemic signs.

Diagnosis

Discussions on Gram stain and culture and sensitivity, which include lesion and blood cultures and serologic testing, are in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section.  

Other conditions that should be ruled out in the diagnosis of cellulitis or erysipelas are listed in the Differential Diagnosis section.

Management

The clinical presentation of cellulitis and indications for laboratory testing in the diagnosis of cellulitis are in the Evaluation section.

The Pharmacological Therapy section discusses in detail the choice of route of administration for empiric treatment, the choice of antibiotics, the length of therapy, and other adjunct therapy in the management of cellulitis.

The Nonpharmacological section includes advice on personal hygiene, wound care, immobilization, and dressings in the treatment of cellulitis.

Incision and drainage as a recommended first-line intervention in patients with cellulitis is stated in the Surgery section.

The Prevention section discusses some recommendations to reduce the recurrence of skin infections, such as prophylactic treatment and the review of antibiotic history and previous microbiological test results.