Cellulitis physical examination
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Cellulitis is an acute, spreading infection of the deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue, usually complicating a wound, ulcer, or dermatosis. It is characterized by rapidly expanding areas of edema, erythema, and warmth, sometimes accompanied by lymphangitis and inflammation of the regional lymph nodes. Unlike erysipelas which affects the upper dermis and the superficial lymphatics, cellulitis lacks sharp demarcation from uninvolved skin and usually does not present with an indurated, "peau d'orange" surface with a raised border. The diagnosis of cellulitis is based on the morphology of lesion and the clinical setting.
Physical Examination
Skin
- Redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin may be present
- Possible drainage, if there is an infection
- Swollen glands (lymph nodes) near the affected area
- A health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness goes past the marked border over the next several days.
