Cellulitis: Acute Infectious Process
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of therapy for acute bacterial cellulitis?

  • Rapid eradication of the infection (correct)
  • Reduction of fever
  • Prevention of scarring
  • Relief of pain and discomfort
  • What is the typical duration of therapy for acute bacterial cellulitis?

  • 3 days
  • 7 days
  • 10 days
  • 5 days (correct)
  • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cellulitis?

  • Painful and elevated lesions (correct)
  • Erythema and edema of the skin
  • Tender lymphadenopathy
  • Poorly defined margins
  • What is the most common cause of cellulitis?

    <p>S. pyogenes or S. aureus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the benefit of elevating the affected area in cellulitis?

    <p>To decrease local swelling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What antibiotic is an alternative to semisynthetic penicillin in penicillin-allergic patients?

    <p>Clindamycin</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Cellulitis Characteristics

    • Acute, spreading infectious process affecting the epidermis and dermis
    • May spread within the superficial fascia
    • Characterized by inflammation, but with little or no necrosis or suppuration of soft tissue

    Causative Agents

    • Most often caused by S.pyogenes or S.aureus

    Clinical Presentation

    • Erythema and edema of the skin
    • Lesion may be extensive, painful, and non-elevated with poorly defined margins
    • Tender lymphadenopathy associated with lymphatic involvement is common
    • Malaise, fever, and chills are also commonly present
    • History of an antecedent wound from minor trauma, an ulcer, or surgery is usually present

    Treatment and Management

    • Goal of therapy is rapid eradication of the infection and prevention of further complications
    • Local care includes elevation and immobilization of the involved area to decrease local swelling
    • Pharmacological treatment options:
      • Semisynthetic penicillin (nafcillin or oxacillin)
      • First-generation cephalosporin (cefazolin)
    • Duration of therapy is usually 5 days
    • Alternative treatment for penicillin-allergic patients: oral or parenteral clindamycin

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    Description

    Learn about cellulitis, a bacterial infection that affects the skin and underlying tissues, causing inflammation, erythema, and edema. Identify its causes, symptoms, and characteristics.

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