text: Cellulitis is an acute inflammation of the connective tissue of the skin, caused by infection with staphylococcus, streptococcus or other bacteria (see also cellulitis - streptococcal).\n\nCauses, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top \n\nThe skin normally has many types of bacteria living on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps these bacteria from entering and growing within the body. When there is a break in the skin, however, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing infection and inflammation. The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, irritated and painful.\n\nCellulitis is most common on the face and lower legs, although skin on other areas of the body may sometimes be involved.\n\nRisk factors for cellulitis include:\n\nInsect bites and stings, animal bite, or human bite \nInjury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds) \nHistory of peripheral vascular disease \nDiabetes-related or ischemic ulcers \nRecent cardiovascular, pulmonary (lung), dental or other procedures \nUse of immunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications \nSymptoms    Return to top \n\nLocalized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads \nTight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin \nPain or tenderness of the area \nSkin lesion or rash (macule): \nSudden onset \nUsually with sharp borders \nRapid growth within the first 24 hours \nWarmth over the area of redness \nFever \nOther signs of infection: \nChills, shaking \nWarm skin, sweating \nFatigue \nMuscle aches, pains (myalgias) \nGeneral ill feeling (malaise) \nAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: \nNausea and vomiting \nJoint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint \nHair loss at the site of infection \nSigns and tests    Return to top \n\nDuring a physical examination, the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis.\n\nTests that may be used:\n\nA CBC may show an elevated white blood cell count, and indicates a bacterial infection. \nA blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected. \nTreatment    Return to top \n\nCellulitis treatment may require hospitalization if it is severe enough to warrant intravenous antibiotics and close observation. At other times, treatment with oral antibiotics and close outpatient follow-up is enough. Treatment is focused on control of the infection and prevention of complications.\n\nAntibiotics are given to control infection, and analgesics may be needed to control pain.\n\nElevate the infected area, usually higher than the heart, to minimize swelling. Apply warm, moist compresses to the site to fight infection by increasing blood supply to the tissues. Rest until symptoms improve.\n\nExpectations (prognosis)    Return to top \n\nCure is possible with 7 to 10 days of treatment. Cellulitis may be more severe in people with chronic diseases and people who are susceptible to infection (immunosuppressed).\n\nComplications    Return to top \n\nTissue death (gangrene) \nSepsis, generalized infection and shock \nMeningitis (if cellulitis is on the face) \nLymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph vessels) \nCalling your health care provider    Return to top \n\nCall your health care provider if symptoms indicate that cellulitis may be present.\n\nCall your health care provider if you are being treated for cellulitis and new symptoms develop, such as persistent fever, drowsiness, lethargy, blistering over the cellulitis, or extension of the red streaks.\n\nPrevention    Return to top \n\nAvoid skin damage by wearing appropriate protective equipment when participating in work or sports. Also, clean any breaks in the skin carefully and watch for redness, pain, drainage, or other signs of infection.\n\nFinally, maintain good general health and control chronic medical conditions. A body that is healthy can more easily fight bacteria before the