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Cellulitis in Sports, Sports Medicine

Kenneth P. Barnes, MD, MSc, CAQSM, FACSM and Shane Hudnall, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

An inflammation of the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues (specifically the dermal and subcutaneous fat layers) caused by a spreading infiltration of bacteria through the skin surface 

DESCRIPTION

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Breakdown in normal skin barriers almost always precedes this infection.

  • Preexisting venous stasis alone may predispose to cellulitis.

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Area of involvement denoted by spread...

TREATMENT

If staph is isolated, consider treating for MRSA if patient has MRSA risk factors and/or if local prevalence of MRSA is high. 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • If abscess present, incision and drainage requir...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

  • Early identification is important.

  • If infection considered contagious, must not participate in contact or collision sports

  • MRSA becoming more prevalent in locker rooms as w...

REFERENCES

1
Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al; for Infectious Diseases Society of America. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin Infect D...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Benjamin HJ, Nikore V, Takagishi J. Practical management: community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA): the latest sports epidemic. Clin J Sport Med. ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Admit patients for parenteral antibiotics if they have severe cellulitis or worsen despite oral antibiotics.

  • If patient has uncomplicated cellulitis without MRSA risk factors, addition ...

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