6 Questions
What is the primary goal of therapy for acute bacterial cellulitis?
Rapid eradication of the infection
What is the typical duration of therapy for acute bacterial cellulitis?
5 days
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cellulitis?
Painful and elevated lesions
What is the most common cause of cellulitis?
S. pyogenes or S. aureus
What is the benefit of elevating the affected area in cellulitis?
To decrease local swelling
What antibiotic is an alternative to semisynthetic penicillin in penicillin-allergic patients?
Clindamycin
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
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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