Management of Cellulitis
We do not accept referrals for injuries or infection, as a result of any accident or injury (ACC)
When managing patients with moderate Cellulitis outside of hospital, patient selection is critical.
Factors to consider are -
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Is it safe and clinically appropriate?
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Is the patient mentally and socially capable of being treated at home?
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Is there adequate back up out of hours?
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Is there appropriate phone access to medical and emergeny services
The more factors that are present at diagnosis the greater the likelihood that treatment should be in hospital.
Especially important are -
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Pregnancy – Always discuss with Specialist
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The elderly
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Those with significant co-morbidities
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Heart disease, diabetes, immuno-suppressed
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People with prostheses – heart valves,
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Infection over site of prosthesis
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Bites, foreign bodies and fractures
Monitor for complications daily. Inform the patient of what to look out for – use information leaflet. Watch for:
- Locally - signs of increasing tissue infection or damage – Pain, swelling, perfusion, ulceration (necrotising fascilitis)
- Systemically - signs of toxicity – rigors, high fever, low BP, patient generally unwell
- Antibiotic reactions – vomiting, skin rash, diarrhoea (clostridium difficile)
If any of the above or not responding to treatment adequately consider hospital admission or specialist advice. Specialist advice is available from hospital Infectious Diseases or Emergency departments.
Treatment Course
Three days of IV therapy will be funded by Primary Options. Beyond this period should be clarified with the Primary Options coordinator. The switch to oral antibiotics should occur 6-8 hours after the last IV dose and can be made at any stage after 1 or 2 or 3 antibiotic doses.
Cellulitis Audit 2006/2007
Click here to view the results of the latest Celluitis Audit.