skip to main content

Recurrent Cellulitis Prophylaxis — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardInfection Prevention & ControlRecurrent Cellulitis ProphylaxisSCE Infectious Diseases

A patient has had several specialist-confirmed episodes of lower-limb cellulitis despite treatment of oedema, tinea and skin breaks. Which prevention option may now be considered?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — A specialist-supervised low-dose phenoxymethylpenicillin prophylaxis trial

The best answer is “A specialist-supervised low-dose phenoxymethylpenicillin prophylaxis trial”. NICE does not support routine prophylaxis after a single episode, but specialists may individualise low-dose penicillin after recurrent disease while continuing risk-factor control and reviewing benefit. Recurrent cellulitis prevention begins with management of predisposing factors; antibiotic prophylaxis is a specialist individual decision after repeated episodes.

Reference: NICE NG141: cellulitis and erysipelas antimicrobial prescribing: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng141/chapter/Recommendations