Cellulitis: Difference between revisions

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==[[Cellulitis risk factors|Risk Factors]]==
==[[Cellulitis risk factors|Risk Factors]]==
The risk factors for cellulitis include, but are not limited to, the elderly, a weakened immune system, diabetes, HIV, prior history of cellulitis, varicose veins, skin disorders resulting in breaks in the skin, lymphedema, and hygiene.


==[[Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]==
==[[Cellulitis natural history, complications and prognosis|Natural History, Complications and Prognosis]]==

Revision as of 13:49, 19 November 2020

Cellulitis
Infected left shin

Cellulitis Microchapters

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Patient Information

Overview

Historical perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Cellulitis from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic study of choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

MRI

Ultrasound

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Cellulitis On the Web

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Risk calculators and risk factors for Cellulitis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindvarjhulla, M.B.B.S.

Overview

Cellulitis is a spreading infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue secondary to any source of skin trauma or immunosuppression.

Pathophysiology

Microorganisms, most commonly Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter the skin layers through previous cuts or trauma initiating an inflammatory response. This presents with redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. In the absence of immunocompetence, the infection may become systemic eventually leading to bacteremia.

In severe cases, the infection may spread to deeper tissue resulting in necrotizing fasciitis or 'flesh-eating disease' requiring immediate surgical evaluation.

Causes

The most common causative agents of cellulitis are Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus.

Differentiating Cellulitis from other Diseases

It is important to differentiate cellulitis from thrombophlebitis, contact dermatitis, drug reactions, and arthritis. Additionally, it should be differentiated from other causes of lower limb edema such as venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

The risk factors for cellulitis include, but are not limited to, the elderly, a weakened immune system, diabetes, HIV, prior history of cellulitis, varicose veins, skin disorders resulting in breaks in the skin, lymphedema, and hygiene.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Chest X Ray | CT | MRI | Ultrasound | Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies

Patients who require hospitalization for ICU admission, operating room surgical intervention, or death have one of the following six risk factors upon presentation[1]:

  • abnormal cross-sectional imaging result ("air or gas, abscess or fluid collection, osteomyelitis, or suspicion of osteomyelitis")
  • systemic inflammatory response syndrome
  • previous infection at the same location
  • infection involving the hand * diabetes* age >65 years

Case Studies

Case #1



Template:WikiDoc Sources

  1. Mower WR, Kadera SP, Rodriguez AD, Vanderkraan V, Krishna PK, Chiu E; et al. (2018). "Identification of Clinical Characteristics Associated With High-Level Care Among Patients With Skin and Soft Tissue Infections". Ann Emerg Med. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2018.09.020. PMID 30420232.