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