Eron classification of cellullitis

Class I patients have no signs of systemic toxicity, have no uncontrolled co-morbidities and can usually be managed with oral antimicrobials on an outpatient basis

Class II patients are either systemically ill or systemically well but with a co-morbidity such as peripheral vascular disease, chronic venous insufficiency or morbid obesity which may complicate or delay resolution of their infection

Class III patients may have a significant systemic upset such as acute confusion, tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypotension or may have unstable co-morbidities that may interfere with a response to therapy or have a limb threatening infection due to vascular compromise

Class IV patients have sepsis syndrome or severe life threatening infection such as necrotizing fasciitis

Reference:

• Eron, LJ. . Infections of skin and soft tissues: outcome of a classification scheme. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2000, 31, 287.