Box 1.

Key points in history takinga

Pattern and speed of progression
Age and medical comorbidities (diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hepatic disease, vascular disease, immunosuppression)
Recent antimicrobial treatment
Possible site of inoculation – trauma, fungal infections
History of previous cellulitis
Travel history
Risk for atypical organisms:

  • profound immunosuppression

  • animal or human bites

  • sea or freshwater exposure (to broken skin) including pools and spas

  • exposure to animals, fish, or reptiles

  • intravenous drug use (including skin-popping)

  • aAdapted from reference 2