Cellulitis Summary Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound. Symptoms include Fever and chills Swollen glands or lymph nodes A rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over. Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (through the vein) for more severe cases. NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Specifics Cellulitis American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Erysipelas American Osteopathic College of Dermatology What Is Cellulitis? American Academy of Ophthalmology Array Cellulitis Orbital cellulitis Periorbital cellulitis Start Here Cellulitis Logical Images Cellulitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Cellulitis and Erysipelas National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Skin and Soft Tissue Infection (Cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics) UpToDate Children Cellulitis Nemours Foundation Teenagers Cellulitis Nemours Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Cellulitis National Institutes of Health Encyclopedia Erysipelas Fibrinopeptide A blood test Ludwig’s angina Find an Expert Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Related Issues Group A Streptococcal Infections National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Is Cellulitis Contagious? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Recurrent Cellulitis: How Can I Prevent It? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Patient Handouts Perianal streptococcal cellulitis Journal Articles Cellulitis
