cellulitis is classed as an acute
spreading bacterial infection
and inflammation of the connective
tissue, dermis and subcutaneous
layers of the skin. It is characterised
with redness (erythema), warmth,
swelling and pain (Fig 1). Localised tenderness
is a diagnostic feature and can be
accompanied by pyrexia and general
malaise (Gunderson, 2011). It is an “opportunistic”
infection, commonly occurring
through breaks in the skin. The term “erysipelas”
has been used to describe a more
superficial infection of the dermis and
upper subcutaneous layer of the skin;
often the two presentations coexist.