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Cellulitis and erysipelas (adults)

A chapter-bounded Australian summary of cellulitis and erysipelas (adults), using exact named Queensland PCCM content and any exact national source listed on this page.

JurisdictionAustralia
Source check2026-08-20
Clinical reviewiatroX editorial team · Clinical editorial review · reviewed 2026-08-20 · due 2027-08-20
AudienceHealthcare professionals practising in Australia
This is an iatroX educational summary of named Australia sources, not an official guideline. It does not replace the complete source documents, local policy, specialist advice or clinical judgement. Queensland PCCM cellulitis is a Queensland implementation source. Apply only the cited chapter scope and verify the equivalent state or territory pathway.

Scope

Recognition and early management of cellulitis under the exact Queensland PCCM adult and child chapter. It does not provide a comprehensive national recurrent-cellulitis or lymphoedema guideline.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

The Bottom Line

  • Cellulitis is an acute spreading infection that usually produces a warm, tender, erythematous area and may follow a break in the skin.
  • Record extent, pain, systemic symptoms and possible portal of entry and consider mimics such as venous inflammation, gout and DVT.
  • Marking the edge can help document spread, while elevation and management of skin breaks support recovery.
  • Select oral or intravenous antimicrobial care from the current local policy after assessing severity, allergy and comorbidity.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

Practical clinical workflow

1
Record complete observations and examine the affected area, adjacent joints, distal circulation and possible wound, tinea or ulcer source.
2
Determine whether the person can take oral treatment and return for review or requires medical consultation and hospital care.
3
Provide elevation, skin and wound care and clear instructions not to share or extend leftover antimicrobials.
4
Recheck spread, pain, fever and treatment tolerance at the interval set by the local pathway.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

Safety boundaries and escalation

  • Rapid progression, pain out of proportion, crepitus, bullae, shock or systemic toxicity requires immediate emergency assessment for deep or necrotising infection.
  • Orbital or periorbital involvement requires the separate urgent eye pathway rather than routine limb-cellulitis management.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

Implementation

Queensland PCCM cellulitis is a Queensland source. It supplies an Australian implementation example, not a national rule. Confirm the equivalent pathway, referral destination and medicine policy in the patient’s state or territory. Check current TGA product information for medicines. Offer culturally safe care and use the NACCHO–RACGP National Guide where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventive or chronic-care recommendations differ.
sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

Clinical use boundary

This independently written summary is not an official guideline. Check the linked source version, current TGA-approved product information where medicines are involved, and the applicable state, territory and local pathway at the point of care.

sources for this section:Queensland PCCM cellulitis

Source documents

Use the linked source documents for complete recommendations, evidence grading, exclusions and implementation detail.

  1. Queensland Health and Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland SectionPrimary Clinical Care Manual, 12th edition: Cellulitis — adult and childISBN 978-1-876560-22-5; Cellulitis — adult and child, pp. 291–294 · 12th edition 2025, v1.03 with updates through 21 July 2026; exact chapter at printed pages 291–294 · accessed 2026-08-20
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