Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath the skin.

It occurs when bacteria invade broken or normal skin and start to spread under the skin and into the soft tissues. This results in infection and inflammation. Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to the bacteria. Inflammation may cause swelling, redness, pain, and/or warmth.

Cellulitis Causes
Injuries that break the skin Infections related to a surgical procedure

Any breaks in the skin that allow bacteria to invade the skin (examples are chronic skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis) Foreign objects in the skin

Infection of bone underneath the skin (An example is a long-standing open wound that is deep enough to expose the bone to bacteria. Sometimes this occurs in people with diabetes who have lost sensation in their feet.) The common symptoms of cellulitis are as follows: Redness of the skin Red streaking of the skin or broad areas of redness Swelling Warmth Pain or tenderness Drainage or leaking of yellow clear fluid or pus from the skin; large blisters may occur Tender or swollen lymph nodes near the affected area Fever can result if the condition spreads to the body via the blood

Call your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms of cellulitis: Fevers or chills Redness on the skin Red streaks from skin Increased warmth in the affected area

Swelling Tenderness

Drainage from the skin Go to the hospital's emergency department if you have any signs or symptoms of cellulitis, especially the following: High fevers or chills Nausea and vomiting Obvious enlargement or hardening of the reddened area Increasing pain Numbness of the reddened or tender area when lightly touched Other medical problems that may be affected by even a minor infection