dermatologic disorders
Cellulitis
Key Points
The most common pathogens causing cellulitis overall areS. pyogenesandS. aureus. Methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) should be considered in the presence of certain risk factors (eg, purulent cellulitis, penetrating trauma, wound infection, nasal colonization), particularly if there is a known outbreak or local prevalence is high. Differentiate leg cellulitis from deep vein thrombosis by the presence of skin warmth, erythema, peau d'orange quality, and lymphadenopathy. Consider obtaining tissue culture in patients who are immunocompromised if they are not responding to empiric therapy or if blood cultures do not isolate an organism and in patients with cellulitis at the site of certain injuries (eg, animal bite wounds, penetrating injuries). Direct antibiotic therapy against the most likely pathogens in specific clinical situations. 