The management of cellulitis in lymphoedema

MANAGEMENT OF CELLULITIS IN LYMPHOEDEMA
Dr Helen Mackie, Medical Advisor to the Australasian Lymphology Association March 2008 - 2012 Dr Yvonne Zwar, Medical Advisor to the Australasian Lymphology Association March 2012 Approved by the ALA National Council June 2008; reviewed June 2010 and March 2012 Background
The following position statement has been developed by the Australasian Lymphology Association to provide an Australian
perspective and nationally consistent principles on the management of cellulitis in lymphoedema. There are now several
internationally published guidelines which are worthy of recognition within the Australian context. This document was develop ed
using the Consensus Document on the Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema British Lymphology Society 2005 and 2010,
and the International Consensus Document on Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema, Lymphoedema Framework
2006, to be consistent with Australian Antibiotic Therapeutic Guidelines Edition 14, 2010.
Definition
Cellulitis presents with an acute spreading inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterised by pain, swelling,
warmth and erythema. It may be associated with lymphadenopathy, fever and systemic toxicity. If the rash progresses; blistering
of the skin may occur.1,2
Cellulitis in the lymphoedema affected area may be variable in presentation and may differ from classical cellulitis. Onset m ay
be sudden over minutes or slow over weeks. Skin manifestation may be preceded by systemic symptoms and often are
accompanied by exacerbation of existing lymphoedema. Inflammatory markers including WCC, CRP or ESR may not always be
elevated. Therefore the decision to start treatment with antibiotics should not depend on blood test results but on the clinical
presentation. Prompt treatment is essential to avoid further damage to the lymphoedematous part which, in turn, may
predispose to repeated attacks.
The causative bacterium of cellulitis in lymphoedema is almost always Streptococcus pyogenes. Streptococcal bacteria are non-
penicillinase producing gram positive cocci, which remain susceptible to narrow spectrum antibiotic such as phenoxy-methyl
penicillins (penicillin V – Abbocillin, Cillicaine V). Use of narrow spectrum antibiotics is recommended to minimise resistance
development in other bacteria/organisms.3
In wound associated cellulitis or if pus or abscess are present the causative organism is likely to be Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus is penicillinase producing gram positive cocci which has a high level of resistance to narrow spectrum
antibiotics. Microbiology and antibiotic resistance testing should be undertaken to identify antibiotic
resistance.
MANAGEMENT
1. ACUTE CELLULITIS
The decision whether hospital admission is indicated should be assessed on the level of systemic upset:
• Signs of septicaemia – hypotension, tachycardia, severe pyrexia, confusion, tachypnoea or vomiting are absolute
indicaters for admission;
• Continuing or deteriorating systemic signs, with or without deteriorating local signs, after 48 hours of antibiotic
treatment;
• Unresolved or deteriorating local signs with or without systemic signs despite adequate trials of first and second line
antibiotics.2
1.1 Management At Home
It is essential that the patient be closely monitored, ideally by the GP, to establish a baseline to monitor progress.
Record:
• Extent and severity of rash – if possible mark and date the border of the erythema
• Level of systemic upset – pulse, temperature, rate of breathing etc.
• C Reactive Protein/Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate/White cell count (WCC may not be elevated);
• Microbiology of any cuts or breaks in the skin before antibiotic is commenced.2
Prescribe:
• Oral Phenoxymethylpenicillin 500mg 6 hourly (for patients over 100kg give 1G);
• If there is any evident Staph Aureus infection, eg. Folliculitis, pus or dermatitis, prescribe Dicloxacil in or
Flucloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly;
• For patients hypersensitive to penicillin, prescribe Cephalexin 500mg 6 hourly;
• For patients allergic to penicillin, prescribe Clindamycin 300mg 8 hourly.
If there is no response or a poor response (unresolved inflammation or development of systemic symptoms) to oral penicillin or
Dicloxacillin after 48 hours, then Clindamycin 450mg 8 hourly should be substituted as the second line of oral treatment or
hospital admission considered.
Antibiotics should be continued for not less than 14 days after a clinical response to treatment. It may take as long as 1 -2
months to achieve complete resolution.
Bed rest and elevation of the affected part is essential. Ensure adequate general hydration.
Paracetamol may be taken as necessary.
Avoid/remove compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage massage during the acute attack, but recommence usual
compression as soon as the patient is tolerant of usual activity and compression. If the swelling persists, manual lymphatic
drainage and bandaging may be required to ensure compression garment fit.
1.2 Intravenous Home Based Therapy
If this service is available for initial therapy prescribe:
• Cephazolin 2G IVI daily with Probenecid 1G oral daily OR • Cephazolin 2G IVI 12 hourly3
A switch to oral Cephalexin 500mg 6 hourly should not be made before the temperature is normal for 48 hours, inflammation is
much improved and C Reactive Protein is falling.
Cephalexin should be continued for a further 14 days.
1.2 Antibiotics “In Case”
The risk of further attacks of cellulitis in lymphoedema is high. It is recommended that patients who have had an attack of
cellulitis should carry a two-week supply of antibiotics with them, particularly when away from home for any length of time,2
Prescribe:
• Dicloxacillin 500mg 6 hourly, Cephalexin can also be used;
• For those allergic to penicillin, prescribe Clindamycin 300mg 8 hourly.
Antibiotics should be commenced immediately when familiar symptoms of cellulitis start, and a medical opinion should be
sought as soon as possible.
1.3 Antibiotics During Therapy
Patients undergoing intensive complex lymphoedema therapy and who are known to have suffered cellulitis in the past may
benefit from antibiotic cover during treatment.
Prescribe:
• Phenoxymethylpenicil in 500mg daily is recommended during the period of intensive treatment.
Cephalexin can also be used;
• For those allergic to penicillin, prescribe Erythromycin 250mg daily
2. RECURRENT CELLULITIS
Antibiotic prophylaxis should be offered to lymphoedema patients who have two or more attacks of cellulitis in a 12 month
period.
Prescribe:
• Phenoxymethylpenicil in 500mg daily or 250mg BD. Cephalexin can also be used;
• If allergic to penicillin, Erythromycin 250mg daily should be the first choice;
• If the patient weighs over 100kg, dosage should be doubled.
Dosage may be reduced to 250mg daily after one year of successful prophylaxis and discontinued after two years without
recurrence. However, prophylaxis may need to be lifelong if cellulitis recurs after two years of successful prophylaxis and good
skin care. Those patients in whom first line antibiotic prophylaxis fails may need alternative strategies including a trial of
Clindamycin 150mg daily.
An increase in the dose of prophylactic antibiotic during the summer months may be considered if recurrences are noted during
this time.
Good skin care reduces the likelihood of cellulitis recurrence. Risk factors for recurrent cellulitis include interdigital scaling,
dermatitis and open wounds and weeping lymphangiectasis (lymph blisters). These need to be treated topically.2
To reduce risk of cellulitis recurrence due to skin colonisation, a regime of Chlorhexidine 4% total body wash twice weekly for
four weeks then weekly for three months and Bactroban Nasal Gel to the nostril at night for ten days. All bed linen and cloth es
should be washed in hot water and dried in the sun. Use disposable sponges or one use face washers.
There is evidence that complex lymphoedema therapy reduces the frequency of cellulitis attacks. Control of swelling is
important. The lymphoedema affected limb should be considered to be immuno-suppressed.2
3. INFLAMMATORY DERMATO-SCLEROSIS
This condition presents as a red itchy area around the shin and calf of leg with venous insufficiency and lympho-venous oedema
and can be confused with acute cellulitis. There are no accompanying systemic symptoms of cellulitis. Management is topical
corticosteroid, compression and further venous investigation.2
References:
1. British Lymphology Society. Consensus Document on the Management of Cellulitis in Lymphoedema. 2010.
www.thebls.com
2. Lymphoedema Framework. Best Practice for Management of Lymphoedema. International Consensus.
www.lympho.org.
3. Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. Therapeutic Guidelines: Antibiotic. Version 14. eTG complete, 2010.
www.tg.com.au

Source: http://pamsonline.com.au/iMIS15_ALA/ALA/Documents/ALA_Position_Statement_on_Cellulitis.pdf