Cellulitis Symptoms
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
What is cellulitis?Cellulitis is a common infection of the lower layers of
skin (dermis) and the subcutaneous tissues
(areas underneath the skin) caused by a bacterial infection. While
cellulitis sometimes develops around wounds in the skin or surgical incisions,
in other cases it arises without an obvious source for the bacterial infection.
Staphylococci are the bacteria that most commonly cause cellulitis, followed by
Streptococci. Less commonly, other types of bacteria may cause cellulitis.
What
are the symptoms of cellulitis?
Cellulitis usually begins as a small area of pain and
redness on the skin. This area spreads to surrounding tissues, resulting in the
typical signs of inflammation - redness, swelling, warmth, and
pain. A person with cellulitis can also develop fever and/or swollen lymph nodes
in the area of the infection.
Who is at risk for cellulitis?
Anyone may develop cellulitis. Males and females and
people of all races are equally likely to become infected. However, people whose
immune systems are weakened for any reason (including from chemotherapy for
cancer or other immune-suppressing drugs) and those with diabetes are at highest risk for developing cellulitis.
Can I catch cellulitis from an infected person?
No, cellulitis is not contagious
because the top layer (epidermis) of the skin is not involved and provides a
protective cover over the infected area.
How is cellulitis treated?
Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of cellulitis. Penicillin derivatives are often
prescribed to treat cellulitis, but other antibiotics can also be effective. In
more advanced cases of cellulitis, hospitalization and administration of
intravenous antibiotics may be required. If not appropriately treated, the
bacterial infection can spread throughout the body, resulting in serious
illness.
For more, please read the Cellulitis article.
Last Editorial Review: 9/28/2006
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