Involving trunk, neck, head, extremity

Usual Pathogens

S. aureus/MRSA
Group A Streptococci

Mild (< 5cm erythema/induration)

- Temp ≤ 38.5 ºC and pulse ≤ 110/min:

 

Local management

Antibiotics not generally recommended unless significant underlying conditions, e.g. obesity, wound overlying joint, immunosuppression.

- Temp > 38.5ºC or pulse > 110/min or WBC >12 x 109/L:

 

Empiric Therapy Dose Duration
Cephalexin 500-1000mg PO qid 24-48 hours

Cephalexin allergy

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Cefuroxime axetil 500mg PO bid 24-48 hours

Cefuroxime allergy

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Clindamycin 300mg PO qid 24-48 hours

Moderate-severe

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Cefazolin 2g IV q8h 5-10 days

Cefazolin allergy

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Ceftriaxone 2g IV daily 5-10 days

Ceftriaxone allergy

Empiric Therapy

Dose

Duration
Vancomycin 15mg/kg IV q12h 5-10 days