skin disorders
Cellulitis
Introduction
Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues immediately beneath the skin. This infection is most often caused by streptococci or staphylococci. Redness, pain, and tenderness are felt over an area of skin, the skin often feels warm to the touch, and some people have a fever, chills, and other more serious symptoms. The diagnosis is based on a doctor's evaluation and sometimes laboratory tests. Antibiotics are needed to treat the infection. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections .) 