Cellulitis is a common and potentially serious bacterial skin infection. The three most common indications for antibiotics in hospital patients are lung, urinary, and skin infections. Cellulitis is the most common skin infection, and the leg is the most frequent location.
Cellulitis is most commonly caused by strep or staph infections. You or your patients with cracked or peeling skin are more likely to get cellulitis, as are those with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), recent surgery, trauma, diabetes, or use of corticosteroids like prednisone. Labs that are usually ordered include blood and skin cultures, complete blood count (CBC), and sometimes a biopsy of the affected area. Marking the edges proves quite helpful in following infection progression.
Symptoms of Cellulitis:
- Fever, chills, diaphoresis (sweating)
- Skin redness/inflammation/warmth that grows in size
- Painful skin
- Tight, glossy skin
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Nausea/vomiting
- Confusion
If your hospital has a high prevalence of MRSA or your cellulitis patients are not responding to first line antibiotics, MRSA must be considered as the causative agent.
If you would like to learn more about how IDS specialists can help you or your hospital facility with the diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis, request an appointment today online or call (833) 967-2464.
