Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin. The bacteria that cause cellulitis often live harmlessly on the skin, but they can lead to an infection if they get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, graze, insect bite, or dry, cracked skin. The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. Other types of bacteria can also cause cellulitis.
Factors that increase the risk of getting cellulitis include:
- Injuries that cause a break in the skin
- Poor circulation in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Difficulty moving around
- A weakened immune system
- Lymphoedema
If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life-threatening. Seek medical attention immediately if the red area of the skin spreads quickly or you develop a fever or chills.
