Soft tissue infection topics for General Physicians
How soft tissue infections is tested
Written for DHA, SMLE, DOH, QCHP, OMSB, MOH, NHRA and Kuwait MOH — the same GP licensing mix, not a soft tissue infections specialist paper.
The pass key is abscess drainage, when cellulitis is actually necrotising infection, and bite/hand-flexor threats.
Pain out of proportion, rapid spread, gas, or shock: theatre and broad cover, not another oral antibiotic. Simple abscesses are drained; antibiotics alone fail.
Diabetic foot is probe-to-bone and vascular assessment. Human/animal bites need the right antibiotic and tetanus thinking.
Necrotising fasciitis — first step?
Resuscitate, immediate surgical exploration, and broad antimicrobials including clindamycin when streptococcal toxin is possible. Do not wait for MRI.
When are antibiotics enough for an abscess?
Almost never if there is pus you can drain. Pack vs loop drainage is technique; the exam wants source control.
Hand bites — the trap?
Fight bites over MCP joints are open joints until a surgeon says otherwise. Do not suture dirty clenched-fist wounds in ED and send home.
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