What causes cellulitis and how is it treated?

S. pyogenes: major cause of cellulitis, but very hard to culture in this setting. Always sensitive to penicillin, which is drug of choice. Most common form of cellulitis: leg (tibial area) with breach in skin usually due to intertrigo. Treatment: always cover Streptococci which is always sensitive to beta-lactams.

What are the symptoms of cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a common and sometimes painful bacterial skin infection. It may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The redness and swelling can spread quickly.

Can cellulitis spread to the fascial lining?

Recurrent episodes of cellulitis may damage the lymphatic drainage system and cause chronic swelling of the affected limb. Rarely, the infection can spread to the deep layer of tissue called the fascial lining. Necrotizing fasciitis is an example of a deep-layer infection. It’s an extreme emergency.

What are the skin conditions that mimic cellulitis?

Comment: The skin conditions that mimic cellulitis include stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis, lymphedema, eosinophilic cellulitis, and papular urticaria. Gunderson CG, Martinello RA.

Can cellulitis spread to other parts of the body?

Cellulitis usually affects the skin on the lower legs, but it can occur in the face, arms and other areas. It occurs when a crack or break in your skin allows bacteria to enter. Left untreated, the infection can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening.

Are blood cultures cost effective in the management of community acquired cellulitis?

Comment: Retrospective review of 757 patients admitted with community acquired cellulitis over a 41 month period shows that the yield of blood cultures is very low (2%), has a marginal impact on clinical management and is not cost effective for most patients with cellulitis.

How do you get cellulitis from a crack?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria, most commonly streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter through a crack or break in your skin. The incidence of a more serious staphylococcus infection called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing.