Wells Cellulitis Score Calculator
Score clinical findings to classify cellulitis severity and guide outpatient vs. inpatient antibiotic decisions.
Clinical Criteria
Check all findings that apply to the patient.
Systemic Signs of Infection
Local Infection Features
Comorbidities & Host Factors
Result
—
Score
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| Finding | Points |
|---|---|
| Total |
Class IClass IIClass IIIClass IV
Consider cellulitis mimic. When erythema is bilateral, symmetric, or chronic with no fever, conditions such as stasis dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis, or contact dermatitis may be more likely. Reassess the diagnosis before escalating antibiotics.
For clinical decision support only. Always combine with full history, examination, local antibiotic guidelines, and specialist judgment.
Eron Classification Reference
Class I
No systemic signs, no significant comorbidity. Healthy host. Oral antibiotics at home.
Class II
Systemic features (fever, tachycardia) OR comorbidity that complicates treatment. Hemodynamically stable. Short IV course or outpatient parenteral therapy may suffice.
Class III
Significant systemic toxicity, rapid progression, or limb-threatening features. Hospital admission with IV antibiotics.
Class IV
Sepsis, life-threatening infection, or necrotizing fasciitis suspected. Urgent surgical and infectious disease consultation.
Summary
Score clinical findings to classify cellulitis severity and guide outpatient vs. inpatient antibiotic decisions.
How it works
- Select each clinical finding that applies to the patient.
- The tool calculates a total score and maps it to the Eron Class (I–IV).
- Review the recommended treatment setting for the assigned class.
- Findings such as systemic signs of infection, comorbidities, and rapid progression increase severity.
- Always confirm diagnosis — about 30% of suspected cellulitis cases are mimics (e.g., stasis dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis, contact dermatitis).
- Use the result alongside local antibiotic guidelines and clinical judgment.
Use cases
- Determine whether a patient with suspected cellulitis can be managed in the community.
- Support an emergency department triage decision for skin and soft tissue infection.
- Document clinical reasoning for antibiotic route and admission decision.
- Teach junior clinicians evidence-based cellulitis management.
- Second-check bedside severity assessment for arithmetic accuracy.
- Identify high-risk patients who need IV antibiotics and hospital monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2026-07-26 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu