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What Causes Nonpurulent Cellulitis?
Question: I have a severe abrasion, skin rolled back,XXXX on my upper arm. It appears to have become infected. There is a bright red patch extending downward and slightly onto the lower arm. Treated with Neosporin.
Brief Answer:
cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HCM. From the history that you are giving it looks like a nonpurulent cellulitis if its spreading down. Nonpurulent cellulitis is associated with the 4 cardinal signs of infection, as follows:
Erythema
Pain
Swelling
Warmth
In cases of cellulitis without draining wounds or abscess, which looks like to be your case can be treated like this
In mild cases of cellulitis treated on an outpatient basis: Dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin
In patients who are allergic to penicillin: Clindamycin or a macrolide (clarithromycin or azithromycin)
An initial dose of parenteral antibiotic with a long half-life (eg, ceftriaxone) followed by an oral agent
In case of severe cellulitis which is characterised by fever and systemic symptoms, patients require parenteral therapy, such as the following:
Cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, nafcillin, or oxacillin for presumed staphylococcal or streptococcal infection
Clindamycin or vancomycin for penicillin-allergic patients
In case of any abscess formation, surgical debridement is also done.
I hope it helps.
Dr. Khan
cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for contacting HCM. From the history that you are giving it looks like a nonpurulent cellulitis if its spreading down. Nonpurulent cellulitis is associated with the 4 cardinal signs of infection, as follows:
Erythema
Pain
Swelling
Warmth
In cases of cellulitis without draining wounds or abscess, which looks like to be your case can be treated like this
In mild cases of cellulitis treated on an outpatient basis: Dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin
In patients who are allergic to penicillin: Clindamycin or a macrolide (clarithromycin or azithromycin)
An initial dose of parenteral antibiotic with a long half-life (eg, ceftriaxone) followed by an oral agent
In case of severe cellulitis which is characterised by fever and systemic symptoms, patients require parenteral therapy, such as the following:
Cefazolin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, nafcillin, or oxacillin for presumed staphylococcal or streptococcal infection
Clindamycin or vancomycin for penicillin-allergic patients
In case of any abscess formation, surgical debridement is also done.
I hope it helps.
Dr. Khan
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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