Cellulitis is a common bacterial infection of the skin. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the bacterias that are commonly responsible for causing cellulitis. The actual infection is in the tissues immediately beneath the top layers of the skin.
What are the main characteristics of cellulitis?
Most common in the lower legs, followed by the arms and the head and neck areas
Cellulitis generally starts as a small area of swelling, tenderness and warmth, and is generally bright red
The affected skin will often feel tight
Cuts, blisters, insect bites, and wounds make cellulitis infection more likely
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection, usually when the skin breaks, and is exposed to bacteria that live on the surface of the skin. Any injury to the skin can potentially help expose the person to a cellulitis infection. Remember that the skin injury may not necessarily be visible to the naked eye. Many small injuries are too small for the eye, but provide bacteria plenty of space to infiltrate the skin's surface.
