Cellulitis and Other Skin Infections Case 2

A 30-year-old male gardener, attends the ED at 03.00 with a wound to his leg sustained on barbed wire the day before. He is diabetic, on insulin, and up-to-date with tetanus vaccinations. He has no allergies.

The wound, which is fairly superficial, started to become red and extremely painful this morning. He feels very unwell. On examination, his temperature is 39°C, pulse 115 bpm.

You are concerned that this patient has a serious soft tissue infection.

What signs would you look for on examination?

You consider the presented signs, which of the following statements are true?

You suspect that the patient may be developing necrotising fasciitis.

Which of the following options should you pursue to confirm your diagnosis?

Select one or more options.