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Cellulitis, Pediatric

Nicholas Tsarouhas, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Cellulitis is an acute, spreading pyogenic inflammation of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, often complicating a wound or other skin condition.

  • Cellulitis may be further classified...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • An expanding, red, painful area of swelling is the most common presentation.

  • Mild constitutional symptoms (with or without fever) are commonly associated with cellulitis.

  • A history of l...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Local care of cellulitis involves elevation and immobilization of the limb to reduce swelling, and cool sterile saline dressings to remove purulence from open lesions. 

MEDICATION

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Steady improvement should be expected.

  • If daily improvement is not noted, consider the following:

    • Inappropriate antimicrobial coverage

    • A deeper infection or abscess ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Amin AN, Cerceo EA, Deitelzweig SB, et al. Hospitalist perspective on the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections. Mayo Clin Proc.  2014;89(10):1436–1451. [View Abstract o...

CODES

ICD9

  • 682.9 Cellulitis and abscess of unspecified sites

  • 376.01 Orbital cellulitis

  • 475 Peritonsillar abscess

ICD10

  • L03.90 Cellulitis, unspecified

  • H05.019 Cellulitis of unspecified orbit

  • J36 Peritonsillar...

FAQ

  • Q: Is IV ampicillin-sulbactam adequate initial parenteral therapy for cellulitis with abscess?

  • A: No. MRSA should be covered in these patients. IV clindamycin is a better choice when MRSA is most l...

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