Defining cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues as stated previously. It is usually caused by Streptococcusor Staphylococcus aureus, but can also be caused by a wide range of other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. A portal for bacterial entry will be present, such as a break or fissure of the skin, but this may not always be obvious or identifiable. Symptoms of cellulitis include (CREST 2005):
Fever.
Pain or tenderness in the affected area. Skin redness or inflammation.
Skin eruptions or a rash that starts suddenly, spreading quickly in the first 24 hours.
Tight, glossy, stretched appearance of the skin.
Sensation of heat in the area of redness. Common signs of systemic infection may include:
Chills or shaking.
Fatigue.
General malaise.
Muscle aches and pains.
Sensation of heat in the area affected.
Sweating.
Other less common symptoms may include
hair loss at the site of infection, joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint, and nausea and vomiting.