BASIC LOWER LIMB CELLULITIS CARE PLAN Date/time commenced …………………………….. Implemented by …………………………………….. This patient has lower limb cellulitis Goal to: Manage infection Manage pain Manage exudate Protect skin integrity Prevent deterioration INTERVENTIONS/ACTIONS: CELLULITIS IS GENERALLY UNILATERAL. If the erythema is bilateral differential diagnoses of DVT, varicose eczema, gout, lymphoedema should be considered. Cellulitis is caused by either Steptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus which resides in the interdigital spaces; possible causes include breaks to skin integrity i.e. ulceration, trauma, varicose eczema etc., plus diabetes, circulatory and lymphatic problems Margins of erythema should be drawn Establish any allergies/sensitivities Surrounding skin preparation / protection: Wash leg(s) & feet using Aqueous cream as a soap substitute removing as much detritus as possible without causing patient further harm; dry well. If skin is dry, liberally apply 50/50 to legs, dorsum of feet and heels in downward strokes. If skin is wet, apply Derma S cream or film to all areas prone to maceration Wound bed preparation: Superficial Apply Atrauman – Sloughy & wet Apply Aquacel Extra, with at least 1cm margin around wound – Exudate management: Low to moderate dressing pad –
BASIC LOWER LIMB CELLULITIS CARE PLAN Date/time commenced …………………………….. Implemented by …………………………………….. This patient has lower limb cellulitis Goal to: Manage infection Manage pain Manage exudate Protect skin integrity Prevent deterioration INTERVENTIONS/ACTIONS: CELLULITIS IS GENERALLY UNILATERAL. If the erythema is bilateral differential diagnoses of DVT, varicose eczema, gout, lymphoedema should be considered. Cellulitis is caused by either Steptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus which resides in the interdigital spaces; possible causes include breaks to skin integrity i.e. ulceration, trauma, varicose eczema etc., plus diabetes, circulatory and lymphatic problems Margins of erythema should be drawn Establish any allergies/sensitivities Surrounding skin preparation / protection: Wash leg(s) & feet using Aqueous cream as a soap substitute removing as much detritus as possible without causing patient further harm; dry well. If skin is dry, liberally apply 50/50 to legs, dorsum of feet and heels in downward strokes. If skin is wet, apply Derma S cream or film to all areas prone to maceration Wound bed preparation: Superficial – Apply Atrauman Sloughy & wet – Apply Aquacel Extra, with at least 1cm margin around wound Exudate management: Low to moderate – dressing pad
BASIC-LOWER-LIMB-CELLULITIS-CARE-PLAN.docx