Skin + Joint Infection Flashcards
Difference between cellulitis + erysipelas
Cellulitis affects the dermis +subcutaneous tissue
Erysipelas is limited to the superficial skin
2 most common causes of cellulitis (bacteria)
Strep pyogenes
Staph aureus
Less common causes: where could you get these from?
Pseudomonas aureginosa
Pasturella multicoda
Strep pneumoniae
Pseudomonas aureginosa: hot tubs, nail puncture
Pasturella multicoda: cat or dog bites
Strep pneumoniae: after injury/ burns/
Presentation of cellulitis
Acute onset
Area is painful, swollen + erythematous
Assc: fever, malaise, nausea, rigors
Cellulitis: abx if systemically well
What abx
Daily dose
how many days
Oral flucloxacillin
500-1000mcg QDS
For 5-7 days
Management of cellulitis if systemically unwell
SEPSIS 6
IV abx + cultures
e.g. IV phenoxymethylpenicillin + flucloxacillin
Eron classification of severity in cellulitis (4)
I: no systemic toxicity, no uncontrolled comorbidities
II: comorbidity which may complicate resolution
III: significant systemic upset
IV: sepsis or severe life-threatening infection
Example of a rare life-threatening complication of cellulitis
Nec fac
What bacteria is septic arthritis usually caused by?
Staph or strep
RFs for septic arthritis
IVDU, cellulitis, abscess, endocarditis, chronic osteomyelitis
Artificial joint, prior arthritis, diabetes, immunocomp
Why is septic arthritis such an emergency?
Can cause total joint destruction in 24 hours
Features of articular joint pain
warm, tender, swelling around the entire joint, pain on movement in all directions
Features of peri-articular joint pain
OUTSIDE OF JOINT CAPSULE (e.g. bursitis/ tendonitis)
Tenderness + swelling localised to a small area, pain on passive movement, felt in limited plains
Which joint does septic arthritis most commonly affect?
Knee
