5 Questions
What is the main difference between cellulitis and erysipelas?
The depth of skin inflammation
How can one differentiate erysipelas from cellulitis based on the appearance of skin inflammation?
Erysipelas has less marginated erythema with elevated margins, while cellulitis has well-defined borders.
Which antibiotic is commonly used to treat cellulitis?
Amoxicillin
What distinguishes erysipelas from cellulitis in terms of fever?
Cellulitis presents with high-grade fever, while erysipelas usually results in mild fever.
In which of the following cases would topical Gentamicin and Fucidic acid NOT be recommended?
In cases where an individual is allergic to penicillin
Study Notes
Cellulitis vs Erysipelas
- Cellulitis is caused by Streptococcus (80-90%) and Staphylococcus (10-20%)
- Erysipelas is a pure Streptococcus infection
Clinical Features of Cellulitis
- Local signs of inflammation: warmth, swelling, tenderness
- Typically affects the lower limbs, but can occur in any site
- Skin inflammation occurs at a deeper level, involving subcutaneous tissue
- Erythema is less marginated compared to erysipelas
- Mild fever
Clinical Features of Erysipelas
- Mostly affects the face
- Elevated margins of erythema
- High fever, sudden onset
Treatment of Cellulitis
- Systemic penicillin (oral or IM) is the primary treatment
- Ceftriaxone is used if allergic to penicillin
- Penicillin is not given IV due to the risk of anaphylaxis
- Topical Gentamicin and Fucidic acid can be used in addition to systemic treatment
Learn about the differences between cellulitis and erysipelas skin infections, including their causes, clinical features, and affected areas. Understand how cellulitis is mainly caused by streptococcus or staph, while erysipelas is a pure strep infection.
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