Cellulitis

Body Systems › Integumentary System › Cellulitis
Skin/Wounds Clinical reference

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is non-purulent spreading bacterial infection of dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Most common: S. aureus and Group A Strep. Classic: erythema, warmth, swelling, tenderness. Mark borders to monitor spread.

cellulitis erysipelas skin infection SSTI
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ICD-10
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Evidence
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Trials
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Latest evidence

Latest evidence

Core official overview

What this condition is

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.Symptoms include:Fever and chillsSwollen glands or lymph nodesA rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.Your health care provider may take a sample or cul…

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Common tests

Tests performed

Clinical diagnosis (laboratory usually not required) CBC (leukocytosis) CRP Blood cultures (systemic signs/immunocompromised) Mark borders with pen (monitor progression) Imaging (CT/MRI if deep infection/necrotizing fasciitis concern)
Common medications

Recognize the drug and the class

Non-purulent/non-MRSA: Cephalexin 500mg QID or Clindamycin Purulent/MRSA: TMP-SMX or Doxycycline Severe/inpatient: Cefazolin IV or Vancomycin (MRSA) Elevate affected limb Mark margins with pen and date/time
Related nursing diagnoses

NANDA diagnoses & care plans

Use these direct links to open nursing diagnoses and care-plan support related to Cellulitis.

Impaired Skin Integrity Acute Pain Hyperthermia Deficient Knowledge
Official education links

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Cellulitis Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.Symptoms include:Fever and chillsSwollen glands or lymph nodesA rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.Your health care provider may take a sample or cul… Eyelid Disorders What are eyelid disorders?Eyelid disorders include a variety of conditions that affect your eyelids. Your eyelids protect your eyes and help keep them healthy. When you blink, they spread tears across your eyes and help wash away dirt or dust. You also close your eyelids when something comes near your eyes to protect them from injury.Like other parts of your body, your eyelids can get infected, become swollen, or de… Streptococcal Infections Strep is short for Streptococcus, a type of bacteria. There are several types. Two of them cause most of the strep infections in people: group A and group B.Group A strep causes:Strep throat - a sore, red throat. Your tonsils may be swollen and have white spots on them.Scarlet fever - an illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash on the body.Impetigo - a skin infectionToxic shock syndromeCellulitis and… Staphylococcal Infections What are Staphylococcal (staph) infections?Staphylococcus (staph) is a group of bacteria. There are more than 30 types. A type called Staphylococcus aureus causes most infections.Staph bacteria can cause many different types of infections, including:Skin infections, which are the most common types of staph infections.Bacteremia, an infection of the bloodstream. This can lead to sepsis, a very serious immune response…