Cellulitis

Excerpt

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection, with over 14 million documented cases in the United States annually. This condition accounts for approximately $3.7 billion in ambulatory care costs and 650,000 hospitalizations annually. Cellulitis typically presents as a poorly demarcated, warm, erythematous area with associated edema and tenderness to palpation (see Image. Cellulitis).

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection causing inflammation of the deep dermis and surrounding subcutaneous tissue. The infection is without an abscess or purulent discharge. Beta-hemolytic streptococci most commonly cause cellulitis, typically group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), followed by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Patients who are immunocompromised, colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), bitten by animals, or have comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus may become infected with other bacteria. If the clinician correctly identifies and promptly treats cellulitis, the condition resolves with appropriate antibiotic treatment.