Cellulitis

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Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection, usually caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. Cellulitis usually develops after a break in the skin from a scrape, cut, bite, or puncture, or after a rash.

A health professional should evaluate symptoms that can occur with cellulitis, which may include:

Painful, red, hot, swollen skin that may crack, split, or weep fluid.
Red streaks extending from the red area toward the body (lymphangitis).
Fever and chills.
Drainage of pus.
Swollen glands.
General feeling of illness (malaise).

Facial cellulitis in children requires immediate medical attention to prevent potentially dangerous eye or brain infection. Cellulitis usually is treated with antibiotics, rest and elevation of the affected area, and warm compresses. Cellulitis may be more severe and require hospitalization in people who have decreased blood flow (venous stasis), long-term swelling, diabetes, or an impaired immune system.

Credits

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Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Denele Ivins
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Last Updated	March 22, 2007

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Last updated:	March 22, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC

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