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Cellulitis

Prevalence
Clinical features
Differential Diagnosis
Investigations
Therapy
Prevention
Prognosis
Clinical features

Most cases of cellulitis are obvious. Look for: c
  • pain or tenderness
  • erythema
  • increased warmth
  • swelling
  • temperature 37.7°C or more 
  • regional lymphadenopathy 

Why?

Pain, erythema and swelling are common in cellulitis

Clinical features c Sensitivity 
(95% CI)
pain or tenderness 97% 
(90% to 100%)
erythema 97% 
(90% to 100%)
increased warmth 93% 
(84% to 100%)
swelling 90% 
(79% to 100%)
temperature 37.7°C 57% 
(39% to 74%)
regional lymphadenopathy 27% 
(11% to 43%)

 

Expiry date: January 2004
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Authors   J   Epling , CM   Ball
Reviewer   C   Conlon
CAT Writers   J   Epling , CM   Ball