Cellulitis, Boils and Recurrent Skin Infections — Gold Coast
Most skin infections settle with a single course of antibiotics from a general practitioner. Referral to an infectious diseases physician is worth considering when infections keep coming back, when they fail to respond as expected, or when the diagnosis itself is uncertain — a number of non-infective conditions closely mimic cellulitis and are made worse by repeated antibiotics.
When to consider referral
- Cellulitis that recurs in the same limb
- Recurrent boils, furuncles or abscesses
- Skin infection that has not responded to two or more courses of antibiotics
- Suspected non-infective mimic of cellulitis
- Skin and soft tissue infection in a patient who is immunocompromised or has diabetes
- Infection following surgery, injury, or insect or marine exposure
- Infection with an unusual or resistant organism on culture
What assessment involves
Assessment covers the pattern and history of infection, the state of the skin and lymphatic drainage between episodes, and any contributing factors such as tinea, oedema, venous disease, diabetes or Staphylococcus aureus carriage.
Where recurrence is driven by a treatable underlying factor, addressing that factor is usually more effective than repeated antibiotic courses. Where appropriate, we can advise on decolonisation strategies, prophylaxis for recurrent cellulitis, and management of the skin barrier.
Urgent presentations
Rapidly spreading redness, severe pain out of proportion to the appearance of the skin, skin discolouration or blistering, or feeling systemically unwell needs urgent assessment in an emergency department rather than an outpatient appointment.
Referrals
A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.
Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770