Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria.
Cellulitis is treatable, but in some people, such as those with
diabetes, cellulitis can be serious and lead to gangrene and
other potentially life-threatening complications it is not
recognized and treated promptly. Cellulitis forms due to a
bacterial infection, most often due to bacteria, such as
streptococcus or staphylococcus. These microorganisms enter the
skin through a break in the skin, such as sore or cut. They
begin to reproduce and make enzymes that break down skin cells.
Cellulitis often occurs on the legs. Symptoms often include
swelling, redness, fever and pain that can spread over a larger
area. If untreated, cellulitis can spread to the lymph nodes and
blood and lead to serious, even life-threatening complications,
such as bacteremia and toxic shock syndrome. For more
information on complications and symptoms, refer to symptoms of
cellulitis. People at risk for cellulitis and its complications
include those who have a compromised immun