Infection of soft tissue around and under the skin is called?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

Cellulitis is defined as a diffuse, spreading bacterial infection that involves the deeper layers of the skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissues.
This condition matches the question's general description of an infection 'of soft tissue around and under the skin'.
Classic signs include erythema (redness), edema (swelling), warmth, and tenderness, typically with poorly demarcated borders.
The most common causative bacteria are Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Option B: Paronychia is a localized infection specifically of the skin fold around a fingernail or toenail, not a diffuse soft tissue infection.
Option C: A felon is a specific, deep abscess of the pulp (pad) of the fingertip. It is a closed-space infection, not a general soft tissue infection.
Option D: A carbuncle is a deep infection composed of multiple interconnected boils (furuncles) that arise from hair follicles. It is a more complex and localized abscess, not a diffuse cellulitis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Differential diagnosis of common skin and soft tissue infections helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a crucial role in managing cellulitis by administering antibiotics, elevating the affected limb to reduce swelling, and marking the borders of the erythema to monitor for spread or improvement.
Patient education is vital, focusing on proper wound care, hygiene, and recognizing signs of worsening infection to prevent recurrence and complications.
What if? If a patient with cellulitis develops crepitus (a crackling sensation under the skin) and severe pain out of proportion to the physical exam, the nurse must suspect necrotizing fasciitis. This is a surgical emergency requiring immediate escalation for urgent surgical debridement.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptors in the question: 'infection', 'soft tissue', and 'under the skin'. Note that this is a general description.
Next, evaluate each option's definition, considering the specific anatomical location and scope of the infection.
Recognize that Paronychia (nail fold), Felon (fingertip pulp), and Carbuncle (multiple hair follicles) are all infections of specific, localized structures.
Contrast this with Cellulitis, which is defined as a diffuse, spreading infection of the deeper skin layers and subcutaneous tissue, matching the general description in the question.
Therefore, select the term that represents the broad category described.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Differential diagnosis of common skin and soft tissue infections.
Stem keywords: Infection, soft tissue, under the skin
Lead-in keywords: is called

QykftkZezp9sl3Dk19Qtam

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 367-369

E6 Microbiology Essentials Sastry 4e Part 2 p. 60-62

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.