Cellulitis

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Cellulitis

Cellulitis on the arm

Skin infection - bacterial

• Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
• Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
• Pain or tenderness of the area
• Skin lesion or rash (macule):
  • Sudden onset
  • Usually with sharp borders
  • Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
• Warmth over the area of redness
• Fever
• Other signs of infection:
  • Chills, shaking
  • Warm skin, sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches, pains (myalgias)
  • General ill feeling (malaise)

• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint
• Hair loss at the site of infection

During a physical examination, the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis. Your health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness extends beyond the marked border over the next several days.

Tests that may be used:

• A CBC may show an elevated white blood cell count, and indicates a bacterial infection.
• A blood culture may be performed if generalized infection is suspected.

Review Date: 07/27/2006
Reviewed By: Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.