Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch. Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch. Red streaking may indicate that the infection is spreading. The original superficial skin infection on the thumb is now complicated by deeper tissue infection (cellulitis). Note the red streak going up the arm due to bacterial infection. This image displays cellulitis on the buttock. The outline in pen was drawn when the patient presented to the emergency room. Within a day the skin infection had enlarged and blisters (bullae) had formed. Cellulitis is a serious infection requiring intravenous antibiotics. An outline defining the involved skin in patients with cellulitis is used to track improvement as antibiotics take effect. This image displays cellulitis, a bacterial soft tissue infection, requiring examination by a physician and treatment with antibiotics. This image displays redness typical in the early stages of cellulitis. This image displays cellulitis.
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Cellulitis  Information for adults

Picture of Cellulitis: Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch. Divider line
Severe redness and swelling are typical in cellulitis. The skin is usually very warm to the touch.
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Signs and Symptoms
Cellulitis can affect any part of the body, but the most common locations are:
  • Lower legs
  • Arms or hands
  • Face
Cellulitis initially appears as pink to red, minimally inflamed skin. The involved area may rapidly become deeper red, swollen, warm, tender, and increase in size as the infection spreads. Occasionally, red streaks may radiate outward from the cellulitis. Blisters or pus-filled bumps may also be present.

Cellulitis may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, fever, chills, and fatigue.
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Last Modified: 19 Jan 2010
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