General - Cellulitis

Question 1

Name 3 skin changes that may be seen in cellulitis

Answer 1

• Erythema (red discolouration)
• Warm or hot to touch
• Tense
• Thickened
• Oedematous
• Bullae (fluid-filled blisters)
• A golden-yellow crust can be present and indicate a staphylococcus aureus infection

Question 2

Name 2 common causes of cellulitis

Answer 2

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Group A Streptococcus (mainly streptococcus pyogenes)
• Group C Streptococcus (mainly Streptococcus dysgalactiae)

Question 3

1) What is the antibiotic most commonly used in cellulitis?
2) Name an alternative

Answer 3

1) Flucloxacillin
2) Clarithromycin, clindamycin, co-amoxiclav