Cellulitis isn't usually spread from person to person. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin most commonly caused by bacteria that normally live on the skin's surface. You have an increased risk of developing cellulitis if you: Left untreated, cellulitis can rapidly turn into a ...

Understanding the Context

To help prevent recurrent episodes of cellulitis — a bacterial infection in the deepest layer of skin — keep skin clean and well moisturized. Prevent cuts and scrapes by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, using gloves when necessary, and trimming fingernails and toenails with care. Promptly treat any cuts or infections on the skin's surface, such as athlete's foot. Periorbital cellulitis is a skin infection that affects your eyelid or the area around your eye.

Key Insights

It’s most common in children, but adults can get it, too. Antibiotics can usually treat it effectively. Cellulitis and skin abscesses are both due to bacterial infections. They may develop separately or together, and they need different treatments. Your skin is home to about 1,000 different species of ...

Final Thoughts

Cellulitis (sel-u-LIE-tis) is a spreading skin infection, most commonly of the lower leg. It's caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin. The affected skin is swollen, painful and warm to the touch. The infection can cause a fever and become very serious, involving deeper tissues. The condition often clears up with antibiotic medicine. Cellulitis treatment usually includes a prescription antibiotic medicine taken by mouth.

You take it for as long as your healthcare professional directs, usually 5 to 10 days, even after you feel better. Symptoms typically disappear a few days after you start treatment. You may need to be hospitalized and receive medicine through your veins if: Symptoms don't respond to the medicine taken by ... Cellulitis is usually a superficial infection of the skin (left).