Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria.
See also:
Orbital cellulitis Periorbital cellulitis
Alternative Names
Skin infection - bacterial
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria are the most common causes of cellulitis.
The skin normally has many types of bacteria living on it. When there is a break in the skin, however, bacteria can enter the body and cause infection and inflammation. The skin tissues in the infected area become red, hot, irritated, and painful.
Risk factors for cellulitis include:
- Cracks or peeling skin between the toes
- History of
peripheral vascular disease - Injury or trauma with a break in the skin (skin wounds)
-
Insect bites and stings , animal bites, or human bites -
Ulcers fromdiabetes or a blockage in the blood supply (ischemia) - Use of corticosteroid medications or medications that suppress the immune system
- Wound from a recent surgery
Review Date: 04/17/2009
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of
Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by
VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA,
Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
