GuidelinesOther guideline
Clinical Presentations
Soft tissue infection Clinical features Impetigo Discrete purulent lesions with an associated crusty exudate over the top Cellulitis Diffuse spreading pyogenic infection of the skin and superficial subcutaneous tissues Abscess Localised purulent infection, with a well demarcated purulent collection BCG adenitis Right sided axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenitis secondary to BCG immunisation at
| Soft tissue infection | Clinical features |
| Impetigo | Discrete purulent lesions with an associated crusty exudate over the top |
| Cellulitis | Diffuse spreading pyogenic infection of the skin and superficial subcutaneous tissues |
| Abscess | Localised purulent infection, with a well demarcated purulent collection |
| BCG adenitis | Right sided axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenitis secondary to BCG immunisation at birth |
| Necrotising fasciitis | Severe, destructive infection of the fascia and muscle compartments associated with systemic sepsis |
| Pyomyositis | Pus collections within a localised muscle compartment associated with systemic sepsis |
| Toxic Shock Syndrome | Severe life-threatening multi-organ illness caused by superantigen toxins from streptococcal and staphylococcal organisms. Macular rash is a frequent associated feature. |
Children's Surgery Network, Western Cape Government, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH), Clinical Guideline_Version 1_2025
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections_Clinical Presentations