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Cellulitis — DCH MCQ

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HardCommon childhood illnessesCellulitisDCH

A 6-year-old boy has a painful red area on the shin after an insect bite. Temperature is 38.4°C, the erythema is warm and expanding, and there is tender inguinal lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Cellulitis

Fever, warmth, spreading erythema and regional lymphadenopathy suggest cellulitis. A large local bite reaction may be itchy and swollen but usually lacks progressive warmth with systemic features. The clinical pearl is to mark the edge of erythema and safety-net for rapid spread or systemic deterioration.

Reference: NICE NG141; BNFc