A 46-year-old woman has a painful red swollen lower leg with fever. The erythema has spread rapidly, CRP is 210 mg/L and she has severe pain beyond

Question

A 46-year-old woman has a painful red swollen lower leg with fever. The erythema has spread rapidly, CRP is 210 mg/L and she has severe pain beyond the visible skin changes. What is the most important next step?

Accepted Answer

Urgent senior surgical assessment for possible necrotising soft-tissue infection

Answer

Reassurance that pain is expected in cellulitis

Answer

Routine dermatology referral in 6 weeks

Answer

Topical emollient and compression hosiery

Answer

Oral flucloxacillin and routine GP review

Necrotising soft-tissue infection — PARA MCQ

A 46-year-old woman has a painful red swollen lower leg with fever. The erythema has spread rapidly, CRP is 210 mg/L and she has severe pain beyond the visible skin changes. What is the most important next step?