Dermatologic Emergencies

dermatology-emergencieskapak-1-0-25

Cellulitis

Ayşe Gülden BEKGÖZ
University of Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Gaziler Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Ankara, Türkiye

Bekgöz AG. Cellulitis. In: Oğuztürk H, Görmeli Kurt N, eds. Dermatologic Emergencies. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.21-30.

ABSTRACT

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection that affects the deep dermis and subcutaneous tis- sues. It is a common disease that causes significant health care costs, can be difficult to distinguish clinically from other diseases affecting the skin, and has no gold standard for diagnosis. While a comprehensive history and clinical examination aid in diagnosis, it usually does not require evaluation with laboratory and imaging studies. Although cellulitis is most commonly caused by group A β- hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) infection, the rate of pathogen isolation is low and treatment is often initiated empirically. The most important risk factor for the development of cellulitis is lymphedema, and treatment should also include underlying conditions and patient education.

Keywords: Cellulitis; erysipelas; emergency medical services; S. pyogenes; lymphedema

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