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Contents
  • What Causes Cellulitis?
  • Recognizing the Symptoms
  • Who Is at Risk?

What Exactly Is Cellulitis and How Does It Affect You?

What Exactly Is Cellulitis and How Does It Affect You?

Understanding Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and warmth. Let’s explore what you need to know about this condition.
Contents
  • What Causes Cellulitis?
  • Recognizing the Symptoms
  • Who Is at Risk?

What Causes Cellulitis?

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin, often due to cuts or abrasions. The most common culprits are bacteria like Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, which can lead to serious skin infections. Understanding the underlying causes can help in preventing this condition.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of cellulitis include skin redness, warmth, swelling, and sometimes fever. Typically affecting the lower legs, it can be mistaken for other conditions. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention to avoid complications.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever, typically affecting the lower legs.

Who Is at Risk?

Middle-aged and older adults are more susceptible to cellulitis, but it can affect anyone. Risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and having a weak immune system. Knowing your risk can help you take preventive measures.

FAQs

What is cellulitis?

It's a skin infection causing redness and swelling.

Who gets cellulitis?

Mostly middle-aged and older adults.

What causes cellulitis?

Bacteria entering through skin breaks.

How can cellulitis be prevented?

By keeping skin clean and treating wounds.

Key Takeaways

Understanding cellulitis and its risk factors can help in prevention and early treatment.
Curious about cellulitis? Talk to Doctronic for more insights!
Additional References
  1. Raff AB, Kroshinsky D. Cellulitis: A Review. JAMA 2016; 316:325.
  2. Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:e10.
  3. Weng QY, Raff AB, Cohen JM, et al. Costs and Consequences Associated With Misdiagnosed Lower Extremity Cellulitis. JAMA Dermatol 2016.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.