Sunday, November 4, 2012

Lower limb cellulitis and its mimics: part II. Conditions that simulate lower limb cellulitis.


Lower limb cellulitis and its mimics: part II. Conditions that simulate lower limb cellulitis.


Aug 2012

Source

Department of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System and the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98108, USA. gregory.raugi@va.gov

Abstract


Several common conditions can mimic cellulitis, creating a potential for misdiagnosis and incorrect management. The most common disorders mistaken for lower limb cellulitis include venous eczema, lipodermatosclerosis, irritant dermatitis, and lymphedema. The dermatologist is often consulted when a patient has failed to respond to therapy, and a thorough knowledge of the differential diagnosis is essential. This article focuses on entities that can mimic cellulitis, with an emphasis of elements of the history and physical examination that can help to distinguish between lower limb cellulitis and its simulators.

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