Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. It commonly affects the lower legs but can occur anywhere on the body.
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The most common causative agents of cellulitis are Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.
Risk factors include breaks in the skin such as cuts, insect bites, or surgical wounds.
Symptoms may include fever and chills alongside localized symptoms like redness and swelling.
Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on observation of symptoms and patient history, though blood cultures or wound cultures may be used in complicated cases.
Treatment usually involves oral or intravenous antibiotics depending on severity.
Review Questions
What are the primary bacteria responsible for causing cellulitis?
Name three risk factors that could predispose someone to developing cellulitis.
How is cellulitis generally diagnosed and treated?