Cellulitis

Cellulitis (cellula, little cell; itis, inflammation) is a diffuse, acute infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues (Anderson, 1999). Cellulitis presents with local redness and heat, swelling, pains, and occasionally fever.
If not treated, the infection is destructive to tissue, and abscess formation usually occurs if treatment is not instigated. Cellulitis can have a direct influence on the local vasculature, through increased metabolic demand and direct damage to vessels.
Cellulitis occurs more frequently to patients with poor circulation, damaged skin such as recent or current presence of ulcers, and diabetes mellitus (Anderson, 1999).

Cellulitis on the medial aspect of the foot - note the proximal streaking from the original source.

Cellulitis on the anterior leg

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Last Updated: October 24th, 2001