cellulitis_erysipelas
CELLULITIS/ERYSIPELAS
Treatment Guideline Chart
Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial skin infection that infects deeply involving the subcutaneous tissues.
It typically occurs in areas where the skin integrity has been compromised.
It may also result from blood-borne spread of infection to the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
It is commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus.
Erysipelas is a type of cellulitis with margins that are sharply demarcated, involves the epidermis and superficial lymphatics.
Onset of symptoms is acute whereas cellulitis has an indolent course.
It is more commonly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.

Cellulitis_erysipelas Management

Prevention

  • Predisposing factors (eg edema, obesity, eczema, venous insufficiency, toe web abnormalities) should be identified and removed if possible 
  • Preventive measures may be helpful in reducing recurrent skin infections in patients with at least 2 separate episodes in the past 12 months
    • Consider previous microbiological test results and antibiotic history when choosing antibiotic agent 
    • Staphylococcal infection: Oral Cefadroxil, Cefalexin, Clindamycin or Co-trimoxazole
    • Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection: Penicillin or Erythromycin for 4-52 weeks or Benzathine penicillin intramuscular (IM) injections every 2-4 weeks
    • Treatment may be continued for several months with interval relapse assessment
  • Compression therapy is recommended to prevent recurrent cellulitis in patients with chronic lower extremity venous insufficiency 
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