Evaluation of Efficacy of Standard Treatment of Non-Purulent Cellulitis

Abstract

Backgound: Cellulitis is commonly used to indicate a nonnecrotizing inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, a process usually related to acute infection that does not involve the fascia or muscles. Cellulitis is characterized by localized pain, swelling, tenderness, erythema, and warmth, cellulitis has been classically considered to be an infection without formation of abscess (nonpurulent), purulent drainage, or ulceration. Objective: The aim of the current work was to evaluate the efficacy of standard treatment for cases of cellulitis and identify other treatment options if needed in local community. Patients and methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of General Surgery, Al-Azhar university hospitals (Al-Hussin & Said Galal hospitals). This study carried out on 100 consecutive patients with non-purulent cellulitis from 23/2/2017 to 1/5/2018 to allow a minimum follow-up period of at least 4 months for the last case follow upon. Clinical response to dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin was evaluated. Results: Age, sex, presentation, sit of non purulent cellulitis and result were recorded. Cellulitis was found to be more common in geriatric patients and slightly more in females. Most patients had lower limb cellulitis, and only little patients had an additional sit as orbit, hand and genitalia. 83 cases have good clinical response and 17 cases have poor clinical response within 7 days to dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, and cephalexin. Conclusion: Dicloxacillin, amoxicillin, or cephalexin are effective in most cases of cellulitis with gram positive organisms as Streptococcal and staphylococcal species.