How to Identify Cellulitus

Cellulitis literally means "inflammation of the cells." In practice, however, it refers specifically to acute skin infections, usually caused when opportunistic bacteria invade a break in the skin. Cellulitis is common and occurs in 2 to 3 percent of the population each year. It is generally not serious, although complications such as gas gangrene can be lethal. The following steps will show how to identify cellulitis.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain the patient history, especially in regard to a recent injury or surgery at the infection site. Common presenting complaints include localized pain and swelling. The incubation period depends on the specific causative organism.

• 2

  Examine the infection physically. Cellulitis infections are hot, red, swollen and tender. The borders are usually not sharply marked or elevated. The local lymph nodes also may be infected.

• 3

  Conduct general laboratory tests. The white blood cell count is elevated in 42 percent of cellulitis cases, and the C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation frequently is elevated as well.

• 4

  Perform a gram stain from a needle aspiration of the soft tissue. This may be helpful in immunocompromised patients for determining a course of treatment. The causative organism also may need to be cultured in patients with chills and high fever, indicating bacteremia. These procedures are rarely done in uncomplicated cases of cellulitis and the diagnosis is normally made clinically.

• 5

  Use imaging studies to rule out other possibilities such as fasciitis or osteomyelitis. Ultrasound also may be used to evaluate existing suppuration and guide a needle aspiration.