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Cellulitis - acute - Management
How should I assess a person with acute cellulitis?
- Identify the cause of cellulitis where possible:
- Most cases of cellulitis arise from an identifiable break in the skin, usually from trauma (e.g. a laceration, burn, or bite; see the CKS topics on Bites - human and animal, Burns and scalds, and Lacerations), leg ulceration (see the CKS topic on Leg ulcer - venous), or a concomitant skin disorder, such as atopic eczema (see the scenario Infected eczema in the CKS topic on Eczema - atopic).
- Cellulitis that has spread from an adjacent structure (e.g. osteomyelitis) or through the blood (bacteraemia) is a serious cause for concern and requires immediate admission.
- Assess the severity of cellulitis, including the presence of systemic signs and symptoms, spreading lymphangitis of the same limb, and relevant comorbidities. Only people with mild or moderate cellulitis without systemic symptoms should be managed in primary care (see Referral).
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