A 48-year-old man has a warm, tender, expanding erythematous plaque on the lower leg after a scratch. He is afebrile and hemodynamically stable.

Question

A 48-year-old man has a warm, tender, expanding erythematous plaque on the lower leg after a scratch. He is afebrile and hemodynamically stable. There is no abscess, necrosis, or purulent drainage. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Start oral cephalexin

Answer

Perform incision and drainage without antibiotics

Answer

Apply topical acyclovir

Answer

Start amphotericin B

Answer

Order emergent fasciotomy

Nonpurulent cellulitis — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 48-year-old man has a warm, tender, expanding erythematous plaque on the lower leg after a scratch. He is afebrile and hemodynamically stable. There is no abscess, necrosis, or purulent drainage. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?