Table 4: Stages of infection. Adapted from Hupp JR, et al. [20].
Stages of infection |
|||
|
Edema |
Cellulitis |
Abscess |
Definition |
Interstitial fluid from neighboring inflammation or infection |
Spread of bacteria into space along with interstitial accumulation |
Breakdown of liquefactive necrosis to form purulence within the soft tissue |
Duration |
0-3 days |
3-7 days |
> 5 days |
Pain |
Mild-moderate |
Severe |
Severe |
Location |
Diffuse |
Diffuse |
Well-circumscribed |
Palpation |
Soft |
Tender |
Fluctuant |
Skin |
Normal to firm |
Firm |
Firm to hard |
Loss of function |
None to minimal |
Moderate to severe |
Moderate to severe |
Tissue fluid |
Edema |
Serosanguineous or purulence |
Collection of purulence |
Severity |
Mild |
Moderate to severe |
Severe |
Bacteria profile |
Aerobic |
Mixed |
Anaerobic |