Cellulitis

What is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues. It may affect any area of the body.

Cellulitis appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender. It can spread rapidly.

Cellulitis begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch, allowing bacteria to invade and spread, causing inflammation.

What causes Cellulitis?

There are many different causes of cellulitis. Cellulitis can be caused by many different types of bacteria. The most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are are Group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.

In rare cases, cellulitis can be caused by exposure to the Pasteurella multocida bacteria. Pasteurella multocida bacteria is sometimes present in dog or cat bites. Bacteria from fish and farm animals can also cause cellulitis.

Symptoms of Cellulitis

The most common symptoms are:

Cellulitis begins as a small, inflamed area of pain, swelling, warmth, and redness on a child's skin.

• An area of red, swollen, painful skin
• Fever
• Chills and sweats.
• Swollen lymph nodes near the area of infected skin.

Is Cellulitis Contagious?

No. You cannot get cellulitis from someone else.

Can Cellulitis be Treated?

Yes. It is important to treat cellulitis immediately. If left untreated, the spreading bacterial infection may rapidly turn into a life-threatening condition.

The most common treatment is an oral antibiotic.

Complications of Cellulitis

• Tissue death
• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Lymphangitis
  

"If Only I Had Teeth Down There." Is the Rapex Condom a Solution to Rape?

WIN a year's supply of Contact Lens Cases