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Cellulitis
Pronunciation
Definition 1
An acute, spreading infection of the deep tissues of the skin and muscle that causes the skin to become warm and tender and may also cause fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, and blisters. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
A bacterial infection that affects and spreads in the skin and soft tissues. Signs and symptoms include pain, tenderness and reddening in the affected area, fever, chills, and lymphadenopathy. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.
Symptoms include
• Fever and chills
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes
• A rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.
Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (through the vein) for more severe cases. (NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
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