Cellulitis: definition, etiology, and clinical features

Am J Med. 2011 Dec;124(12):1113-22. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.06.028. Epub 2011 Oct 18.

Abstract

Cellulitis is a common condition seen by physicians. Over the past decade, skin and soft tissue infections from community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus have become increasingly common. In this article, the definition, etiology, and clinical features of cellulitis are reviewed, and the importance of differentiating cellulitis from necrotizing soft tissue infections is emphasized. Empiric antimicrobial recommendations are suggested, including the most recent recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cellulitis* / diagnosis
  • Cellulitis* / drug therapy
  • Cellulitis* / epidemiology
  • Cellulitis* / microbiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / drug therapy
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / epidemiology
  • Community-Acquired Infections* / microbiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fasciitis, Necrotizing / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
  • Risk Factors
  • Soft Tissue Infections* / diagnosis
  • Soft Tissue Infections* / drug therapy
  • Soft Tissue Infections* / epidemiology
  • Soft Tissue Infections* / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / drug therapy
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / epidemiology
  • Staphylococcal Skin Infections / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents