From the Guidelines
Cellulitis and Bullae Formation
Yes, cellulitis can cause blisters. According to the practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections 1, cellulitis can lead to the formation of vesicles and bullae filled with clear fluid, which are common in inflamed skin. These fluid-filled sacs can be painful and may rupture, leading to further infection.
Clinical Presentation and Treatment
The clinical presentation of cellulitis includes rapidly spreading areas of edema, redness, and heat, sometimes accompanied by lymphangitis and inflammation of the regional lymph nodes 1. Systemic manifestations are usually mild, but fever, tachycardia, confusion, hypotension, and leukocytosis are sometimes present and may even occur hours before the skin abnormalities appear.
Treatment of cellulitis typically involves a 7-10 day course of oral antibiotics, such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin, and in some cases, may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of cellulitis, as prompt treatment can help prevent complications, including blister formation. If blisters do form, it is crucial to keep the area clean and dry to prevent further infection, and to avoid popping or draining the blisters, as this can lead to further complications.
Severe Cases and Potential Complications
In severe cases, cellulitis can lead to more serious complications, such as necrotizing fasciitis, which requires emergent surgical evaluation for both diagnostic and therapeutic reasons 2. Other clues to potentially severe deep soft-tissue infection include pain disproportionate to the physical findings, violaceous bullae, cutaneous hemorrhage, skin sloughing, skin anesthesia, rapid progression, and gas in the tissue.
Antibiotic Resistance and Treatment
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a challenge in the treatment of cellulitis 2. Empirical treatment with antibiotics effective against MRSA, such as vancomycin, linezolid, or daptomycin, may be necessary in severe cases or in patients who do not respond to initial empirical therapy.
From the Research
Cellulitis and Bullae (Blisters)
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that cellulitis can cause bullae (blisters) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The studies primarily focus on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of cellulitis, as well as its clinical manifestations and complications.
- Common symptoms and signs of cellulitis mentioned in the studies include erythema, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and pain, but bullae (blisters) are not specifically mentioned as a symptom or complication of cellulitis 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The studies do discuss various dermatologic conditions that can mimic cellulitis, such as venous stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and eczema, but do not mention bullae (blisters) as a characteristic of these conditions either 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.