Soft Tissue Case 1 History/Physical Exam

Most often patients have a history of pain and swelling over the course of hours to days. 

Physical exam findings may include hemorrhagic bullae, skin necrosis, crepitus, cutaneous sensory deficit and firm woody edema. Keep in mind that these findings are not always present and a high clinical suspicion should prompt further investigation. The pain and extent of the infection may be out of proportion to the external appearance.