An evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management of cellulitis

Community nurses are involved in caring for people who are at risk of cellulitis. The community nurse may be involved in dressing leg ulcers and may refer a patient with suspected cellulitis for appropriate treatment. Community nurses are also increasingly involved in delivery of outpatient antibiotic therapy (OPAT). As the role of the community nurse expands to encompass diagnosis, prescribing, delivery of OPAT and in some cases the decision on when to switch from IV to oral antibiotics, it is essential that the nurse is aware of the evidence base for diagnosis and treatment of lower leg cellulitis. This paper discusses the reasons for the increasing incidence of lower leg cellulitis and explores the evidence base for treatment.