Cellulitis

Summer Skin Hazards Slideshow

• Cellulitis Overview
• Cellulitis Causes
• Cellulitis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Cellulitis Treatment
  • Self-Care at Home
  • Medical Treatment
  • Medications
  • Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related cellulitis articles:
  Cellulitis - on WebMD
  Cellulitis - on MedicineNet

Cellulitis Overview

Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath the skin. It occurs when bacteria invade broken or normal skin and start to spread under the skin and into the soft tissues. This results in infection and inflammation. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to the bacteria. Inflammation may cause swelling, redness, pain, and/or warmth.

• People at risk for developing cellulitis include those with trauma to the skin or other medical problems such as the following:
  
  
  • Diabetes
    
    
  • Circulatory problems such as inadequate blood flow to the limbs, poor venous or lymphatic drainage, or varicose veins
    
    
  • Liver disease such as chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
    
    
  • Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, infectious diseases that cause skin lesions such as chickenpox, or severe acne