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A 4-year-old child presents with a fever and a red and swollen foot (Figure 120-1). The patient injured her foot 3 days before with a door. On physical examination, the foot was warm, tender, red, and swollen, and the child's temperature was 39.4°C (103°F). This is classic cellulitis and the child was admitted for IV antibiotics.
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Cellulitis is an acute infection of the skin that involves the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.
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- Facial cellulitis occurs more often in adults ages 50 years or older, or in children ages 6 months to 3 years.
- Perianal cellulitis occurs more commonly in young children but can be seen in adults as well (see Chapter 111, Diaper Rash and Perianal Dermatitis).
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- Often begins with a break in the skin caused by trauma, a bite, or an underlying dermatosis (e.g., tinea pedis, stasis dermatitis) (Figures 120-2, 120-3, 120-4).
- Is most often caused by group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) or Staphylococcus aureus. The most common etiology of cellulitis with intact skin, when it has been determined through needle aspiration and/or punch biopsy, is S. aureus, outnumbering GABHS by a ratio of nearly 2:1.1
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There are increasing concerns about the role of community- acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in all soft-tissue infections including cellulitis.2-5
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- After a cat or dog bite, cellulitis is often caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- After saltwater exposure, cellulitis can be secondary to Vibrio vulnificus in warm climates (Figure 120-5). A Vibrio vulnificus infection can be especially deadly.
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