Cellulitis
What is it?
Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin caused by bacteria. Cellulitis may occur on healthy skin, although it is more likely to happen after an injury has broken the skin. Left untreated, cellulitis can be life threatening.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may vary from person to person. Common symptoms include
- Pain
- Redness
- Pitted skin
- Warm to touch
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Weakness
- Blisters
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
Cellulitis usually occurs on one limb, e.g. lower left leg, and not on the other leg.
Causes
In healthy individuals, staph and strep bacteria can be found on the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and nose. Cellulitis is usually caused by these bacteria entering the skin through a break in the top layer of the skin, e.g. a wound or bite. Water injuries and human or animal bites are also possible causes.
Diagnosis
A Doctor makes a diagnosis based on a medical history and an assessment of signs and symptoms. Bacterial cultures can be used to identify which antibiotic is most effective.