What is cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a serious but common bacterial infection of the skin.
What causes cellulitis?
Cellulitis is typically a red, swollen area of the skin that expands rapidly. It is tender, painful and often warm to the touch. Symptoms can sometimes include blisters, red streaks, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.
How is cellulitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of cellulitis is made by physical examination and recent medical history. Tests are sometimes done to rule out other issues such as clots. With proper antibiotic treatment, cellulitis usually resolves within a few days to a week if the person is otherwise healthy.