Eligibility
Local study conflicts
- None
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 16 years old or over
- A current clinical diagnosis of cellulitis at any body site except the orbit (periorbital/orbital cellulitis)
- Able to provide informed consent
- People of child-bearing* potential must be willing to:
- Use an effective method of contraception** (and must agree to continue 3 months after the last dose of the IMP)
- Inform the trial team if pregnancy occurs during trial participation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Orbital or periorbital cellulitis, surgical site infection, or planned surgical management (e.g abscess) as managed under a different clinical pathway
- Allergy to dexamethasone
- Contraindication to dexamethasone due to concurrent medication (e.g. cobicistat)
- Has known current invasive fungal infection**
- Has known current gastric or duodenal ulceration
- Already on corticosteroids
- Unable to take oral medication
- Lack of capacity
- Inability to complete follow-up procedures
- Prisoner*
- Pregnant***, breastfeeding, or planning to conceive in next 3 months
If the patient is eligible:
Gain verbal agreement in principle before proceeding. Explain:
- Taking part in research is likely to improve the quality of their care
- Risks are carefully controlled - research is safe
- Explain the uncertainty that exists with respect to treatment of their condition;
- If they change their mind they can withdraw their participation at any point
Step by Step Guide to Recruitment:
In standard working hours; Mon-Fri 07:30-16:30
- Contact the trauma hub 07889 476009
Out of hours and weekends:
- Collect a pack from the dexacell box behind the workstation in resus
- Consent:
- Eligibility must be confirmed by a clinician on the delegation log
- Provide the participant with the information sheet and ask them read it fully before signing a consent form
- Have consent form signed
In set-up: Further steps to be confirmed