A 45 year old man has a warm, red and tender swelling over his right leg. The swelling has diffuse margin.

(3)   The most common causative organism for this man's cellulitis is
(a)    Staph. aureus
(b)   Streptococcus
(c)    Klebsiella
(d)   Pseudomonas

Answer: The answer is (b). The commonest organism causing cellulitis is streptococcus.

Pseudomonas is typically seen in burn wounds & otitis externa.

Klebsiella is seen in alcoholics and its pneumonia causes bulging lobe borders on CXR

Staph is also common in cellulitis but not as much as Streptococci.

 

2. Initial treatment of this man's condition includes all except
  1. Oxacillin 1gram IV q 4 h
  2. Leg elevation
  3. Warm compress
  4. Incision and drainage

Answer: The answer is (d). Cellulitis responds well to penicillin group of antibiotics. The leg elevation and warm compress help in symptomatic relief. Incision and drainage is not indicated in this case.

 

3. The risk factor for this condition includes all except
  1. Diabetes Mellitus
  2. Tinea pedis
  3. Bad foot wear
  4. Hypertension
  5. Onychomycosis

Answer: The answer is (d). Diabetes is a known risk factor for cellulitis. Tinea pedis can cause breaks on the skin of the feet and allow infection to enter. Bad footwear again predisposes to poor foot hygiene and hence leg infections. Onychomycosis is a well known risk for cellulitis.