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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Who's At Risk
Cellulitis can occur in anyone. Factors that increase your risk of developing cellulitis include:
  • Diabetes
  • Skin wounds
  • Chronic lower leg swelling (edema)
  • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
  • Bites from insects, animals, or other humans
  • Obesity
  • Poor circulation in the legs (peripheral vascular disease)
  • Weakened immune system due to underlying illness or medication
  • Intravenous drug abuse or alcoholism
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Last Modified: 17 Apr 2009
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