ContentsSynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferencesInformation for PatientsView all Images (11)
Cellulitis in Child
See also in: Cellulitis DDx,Anogenital,Hair and Scalp,Oral Mucosal Lesion
Print
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Cellulitis in Child

See also in: Cellulitis DDx,Anogenital,Hair and Scalp,Oral Mucosal Lesion
Print Patient Handout Images (11)
Contributors: Sabrina Nurmohamed MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Alerts and Notices

Synopsis

Cellulitis is an inflammatory bacterial infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissues often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Group A streptococci. Haemophilus influenzae was formerly a common cause of head and neck cellulitis in children until routine H. influenzae type B (HiB) vaccination in developed countries. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a known cause of facial cellulitis. Other bacterial agents may be considered based on immunization status and age.

In cellulitis, bacteria invade through breaks in the skin including puncture wounds, dermatitis, and burns. Implantable cardiac devices can also cause infection. The clinical manifestations include rapidly progressive areas of skin edema, redness, heat, and pain with or without associated lymphangitis or lymphadenitis. Systemic symptoms of fever, malaise, and chills are common. In immunosuppressed individuals, the infection can spread to cause large abscesses, necrosis, and dissemination into blood. Predisposing factors include conditions that compromise the barrier function of the skin or weaken host defenses such as obesity, trauma, or chronic edema.

Although many cases of cellulitis are attributable to streptococci, it is important to be cognizant of the rising prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). MRSA should be considered for purulent infections. In the outpatient setting, MRSA coverage should be added for nonresponse to beta-lactam therapy. For pediatric inpatients with cellulitis, guidelines suggest community acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) coverage.

Related topics: Orbital Cellulitis, Preseptal Cellulitis

Codes

ICD10CM:
L03.90 – Cellulitis, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
128045006 – Cellulitis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

Deep tissue infection
Infectious
Inflammatory
Vascular
Other

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed: 12/07/2016
Last Updated: 05/21/2019
Copyright © 2019 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Cellulitis in Child
See also in: Cellulitis DDx,Anogenital,Hair and Scalp,Oral Mucosal Lesion
Print 11 Images
View all Images (11)
(with subscription)
Cellulitis : Chills, Erythema, Lymphadenopathy, Lymphangitis, Skin warm to touch, Unilateral, Blanching patch
Clinical image of Cellulitis

+9 More images of Cellulitis with subscription

Copyright © 2019 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.