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Cellulitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Cellulitis
Cellulitis
Cellulitis on the arm
Cellulitis on the arm

Alternative Names    Return to top

Skin infection - bacterial

Definition    Return to top

Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis.

The skin normally has many types of bacteria living on it. When there is a break in the skin, however, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection and inflammation. The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, irritated, and painful.

Risk factors for cellulitis include:

Symptoms    Return to top

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

During a physical examination, the doctor may find:

Your health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness goes past the marked border over the next several days.

Tests that may be used:

Treatment    Return to top

Cellulitis treatment may require a hospital stay if:

Most of the time, treatment with oral antibiotics and close follow-up is enough. Treatment is focused on controlling the infection and preventing complications.

You may receive antibiotics to control the infection, and analgesics to control pain.

Raise the infected area higher than your heart to reduce swelling. Rest until your symptoms improve.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

It is possible to be cured with 7 - 10 days of treatment. Cellulitis may be more severe in people with chronic diseases and those who are more prone to infection because their immune system is not working properly (immunosuppressed).

People with fungal infections of the feet may have cellulitis that keeps coming back. The cracks in the skin offer an opening for bacteria to get inside.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if:

Seek medical attention immediately if the cellulitis is on your face.

Prevention    Return to top

Protect your skin by:

Whenever you have a break in the skin:

References    Return to top

Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers BF, Everett ED, Dellinger P, Goldstein EJ, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft-tissue infections. Clin Infect Dis. 2005;41:1373-1406.

Abrahamian FM, Talan DA, Moran GJ. Management of skin and soft-tissue infections in the emergency department. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2008;22:89-116.

Update Date: 4/17/2009

Updated by: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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