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- Perform a thorough evaluation of the site of soft tissue infection during and after treatment.
- Note that patients who have cellulitis may have underlying conditions that predispose to either acute or recurrent infection.
- Note that physical therapy will be required for survivors who have undergone radical debridement or amputation.
| | Elements of Follow-up for Soft Tissue Infections (table)
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Perform a thorough evaluation of the site of soft tissue infection during and after treatment.  |
- Inspect the infected site for persistent drainage.
- Culture drainage for identification of the organism and sensitivity testing.
- Obtain soft tissue x-rays or CT scans when necessary to check for deeper infection, foreign body, or underlying osteomyelitis.
- See table Elements of Follow-up for Soft Tissue Infections.
| Background | Back to top
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Note that patients who have cellulitis may have underlying conditions that predispose to either acute or recurrent infection.  |
- Determine if the patient has evidence of chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, or tinea pedis.
- Warn patients that cellulitis, especially streptococcal, may recur, and that they should seek medical attention should this happen.
- See table Elements of Follow-up for Soft Tissue Infections.
| Background | Back to top
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Note that physical therapy will be required for survivors who have undergone radical debridement or amputation. |
- Obtain physical therapy consultation to establish the need for prosthetic devices, rehabilitation, and general conditioning.
| Background | Back to top
| | | FAQs |
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| Dennis L. Stevens, PhD, MD has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations. Lawrence J. Eron, MD, FACP has no financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies, biomedical device manufacturers, or health-care related organizations.
Steven E. Weinberger, MD, FACP, Acting Editor, PIER, has stock holdings in Glaxosmithkline and Abbott. |
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Cellulitis and Soft Tissue Infections
