Article Sections

Introduction

Cellulitis and skin abscesses are skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) typically caused by bacteria.  Cellulitis involves infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous fat, whereas skin abscesses are encapsulated pus collections that typically develop due to bacterial invasion through hair follicles (furuncles) or breaks in the skin.  Both conditions can generally be treated effectively (eg, antibiotics, incision and drainage), but early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to preventing complications.

Microbiology

SSTIs are typically divided into 2 types ( Table 1):

Nonpurulent cellulitis

Nonpurulent cellulitis is characterized by skin warmth, edema, and erythema with no fluctuant nodules.  It is most often caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci (groups A, B, C, G, and F); group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) accounts for the majority of cases.

Purulent SSTI

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Figures

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Tables

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