Cellulitis

About Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The infection typically enters through breaks in the skin cuts, abrasions, insect bites, surgical wounds, or fungal infections like athletes foot. Symptoms include a rapidly spreading area of red, swollen, tender, warm skin, usually on the legs or face. The affected area has poorly demarcated borders, distinguishing it from erysipelas which has sharply defined margins. Systemic symptoms may include fever, chills, and malaise. Risk factors include diabetes, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, immunosuppression, IV drug use, and previous cellulitis. Diagnosis is clinical. Blood cultures are only needed for severe cases, immunocompromised patients, or unusual exposures. Treatment is with antibiotics chosen by a clinician, given by mouth for milder cases or intravenously for severe cases, with different agents used when MRSA is suspected. Recurrent cellulitis is sometimes managed with preventive antibiotics. Complications include abscess formation, necrotizing fasciitis, and sepsis. Rapidly spreading redness with severe pain, fever, or feeling very unwell is a medical emergency; call your local emergency number.