Cellulitis / Erysipelas / Nec fascititis

Clinical differentiation

 

Condition
Pathology Organisms
Management
Cellulitis Infection of the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues
  • Staph aureus / epidermidis
  • Streptoocci

History
Swab
IV antibiotics - benpen/fluclox or clindamycin/erythromycin (if penicillin allergic)

Erysipelas A form of cellulitis
Occurs in immunocompromised, young, old
  • Lancefield A B-haemolytic streptococci
 
Necrotising fascitits

Necrotising process of the deep fascia

Forms

  • Fournier's gangrene (of the scrotum) 
  • Lancefield A B-haemolytic streptococci
Resuscitation
Blood cultures / wound swab
Antibiotics
Radical tissue debridement