Definition - What does cellulitis mean?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and surrounding tissue. Cellulitis may be caused by different strains of bacteria. The most common bacterial species causing cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. Cellulitis is characterized by redness, pain, and tenderness at the site of infection. Cellulitis may also cause symptoms including fever, chills, low blood pressure, and more serious complications. Left unchecked, cellulitis can become life-threatening.
SureHire explains cellulitis
Cellulitis usually begins as a bacterial infection on the skin of the feet or legs. The infection may then progress to the tissue under the skin. Broken skin, cuts, fungal infections, or insect bites may allow the bacteria causing cellulitis to enter the skin. The bacteria can then spread rapidly throughout the body. Without treatment, the infection may spread to the blood and lymph systems. Cellulitis is treated using antibiotics. However, some strains of bacteria that cause cellulitis are resistant to antibiotics and can be difficult to eliminate. Like most conditions, the earlier it is caught, the easier it is to treat.
