Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender. It most commonly affects the skin of the lower legs, although the infection can occur anywhere on a person’s body or face.
Cellulitis is typically caused by infection with bacteria that enter the body through a cut or break in the skin. Cellulitis can occur on any part of the body but is most commonly found on the lower legs.
An estimated 35 percent of adults will have at least one episode of cellulitis during their lifetime. The risk of cellulitis is higher in older adults, people who have compromised immune systems and those with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
Signs and symptoms of cellulitis may include:
* Redness
* Swelling that spreads rapidly
* Tenderness or pain
* A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
* Warmth over affected area
* Fever
Cellulitis is a common skin infection that can affect anyone, regardless of age. In fact, according to the US National Library of Medicine, it is one of the most common bacterial infections in humans.
Cellulitis causes painful inflammation in the affected area. This condition can be very serious and may even be life-threatening if left untreated.
The symptoms of cellulitis include:
– Redness, swelling, tenderness and itching in the infected area
– A rash or area of discolored skin
– Warmth and pain in the infected area
– Blisters with fluid oozing out
– Red streaks extending from the infected area (in severe cases)
Cellulitis is a common condition that refers to an infection of the skin and soft tissues beneath it. It can affect any part of the body, but most commonly occurs on the face, arms, legs, and feet.
Cellulitis symptoms
The first signs of cellulitis are usually redness and swelling in the affected area. The area may also feel warm to touch. Other symptoms include:
pain in the affected area
itching of or around the area
blisters forming on the skin
flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter a broken or weakened area of skin. It is not a contagious condition but can become serious if not treated promptly. If left untreated, it can cause permanent damage to the affected area and spread to other parts of the body.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin. It specifically affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Signs and symptoms include an area of redness which increases in size over a few days. The borders of the area of redness are generally not sharp and the skin may be swollen. While the redness often turns white when pressure is applied, this is not always the case. The area of infection is usually painful. Lymphatic vessels may occasionally be involved, leading to lymphangitis, lymphadenopathy, or elephantiasis.
The most common locations are the lower leg and face but it can occur on any part of the body surface. The arms, hands, fingers, feet, toes, buttocks and genitals can be affected. Cellulitis almost always occurs in only one part of the body at a time.
The causative pathogens are most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (about 75% of cases) and Streptococcus pyogenes (20% of cases). About 70% of cases have no clear cause (are idiopathic). Risk factors include previous venous insufficiency or leg ulcer, surgery to veins (e.g. to remove varicose veins), diabetes mell
Cellulitis is a common skin bacterial infection. It can occur anywhere on your body, but the most common areas affected are the face, arms, lower legs and feet.
Cellulitis is a potentially serious condition that may spread quickly through the body. As a result, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have cellulitis.
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts or cracks in the skin surface. Some of the bacteria that commonly cause cellulitis include:
Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. These bacteria are usually found on your skin or in your nose.
Streptococcus (strep) bacteria. These bacteria are often present in throat secretions and on the surface of your skin.
Cellulitis is a skin infection that begins in the outer layers of the skin. It can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly attacks areas where the skin has broken open, such as cuts or cracks. Cellulitis may begin in an area as small as a cut, or as large as a spider bite. It can also begin where the skin is already infected, such as eczema or athlete’s foot.
When a person has cellulitis, their immune system sends special cells called neutrophils to fight off the infection. Some types of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis. However, it can be caused by other bacteria and even by fungi.
If you’re at risk for cellulitis — if you have diabetes or are otherwise immunocompromised — you should consider getting a flu shot each year. The flu puts you at an increased risk of developing cellulitis and other complications from strep pneumoniae bacteria, which are common causes of flu infections.
Cellulitis is a skin infection, typically caused by bacteria. It occurs when bacteria enters through a break in the skin, such as a cut, puncture wound or scrape. Cellulitis can affect both children and adults.
Cellulitis typically affects the surface of the skin and sometimes can also cause issues with deeper tissues in the body. Symptoms of cellulitis include redness or swelling that spreads quickly, pain and tenderness in the affected area, fever, chills and fatigue. Treatment for cellulitis usually includes antibiotics, which are either taken orally or intravenously (IV).
Cellulitis can affect any part of the body; however, it is most common on the legs, arms and face. Bacteria that commonly cause cellulitis include group A streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria.
Most cases of cellulitis are not serious if treated right away. However, if not treated promptly or properly, it can become life-threatening. Complications from cellulitis include blood infections (sepsis) and tissue death (gangrene).