SSTI: Initial failure?

Wrong Organism

Consider varicella zoster?

Consider risk factors for gram negative cellulitis or MRSA?

Injury occurring in water (Aeromonas - fresh water, Vibrio - salt water)

Penetrating injury with foreign body (i.e. nail through shoe)

Diabetic foot infection

Immunocompromise

Previous MRSA colonization/infection

Hospital acquired: dialysis patient, nursing home residence, hospitalization in past 90 days, MRSA outbreak setting

Community acquired: Known contact (i.e. household member has MRSA), homelessness, incarceration, Indigenous

Does the patient have other risk factor for unusual pathogens?

i.e. animal exposure, travel, hobbies etc.

Not an infection

Superficial thrombophlebitis or deep venous thrombosis

Venous stasis dermatitis

Gout

Wrong Duration

Cellulitis associated with venous stasis can be very slow to resolve.

Source Control

Consider abscess, retained foreign body, or deeper infection such as osteomyelitis/septic joint

Other DDx Considerations

Contact dermatitis, foreign body reaction

Insect bite - venom reaction

Fixed drug reaction

Pyoderma gangrenosum

Sweet Syndrome

Eosinophilic cellulitis

Hidradenitis suppurativa

Malignancy