Cellulitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Cellulitis

Cellulitis on the arm

Cellulitis

Definition:

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).

Alternative Names:

Skin infection - bacterial

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The 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.

Cellulitis is most common on the face and lower legs, although skin on other areas of the body may sometimes be involved.

Risk factors for cellulitis include:

Insect bites and stings, animal bite, or human bite
Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds)
History of peripheral vascular disease
Diabetes-related or ischemic ulcers
Recent cardiovascular, pulmonary (lung), dental or other procedures
Use of immunosuppressive or corticosteroid medications

Review Date: 7/2/2004
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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