Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It appears as a red, swollen area of skin that feels hot and tender. Cellulitis may spread rapidly to become a serious infection. Cellulitis can occur anywhere but is most common on the face and lower legs. Cellulitis is usually superficial, affecting only the surface of the skin but it may also affect tissues underlying the skin and spread to the lymph nodes or bloodstream. If left untreated, the infection may become a life-threatening condition. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of cellulitis and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.

Cellulitis may cause the skin to become red, swollen, tender, and warm. These changes may be accompanied by fever. The reddened area may spread. Small red spots may appear on top of the reddened skin. Occasionally small blisters may also form and burst.

Cellulitis is caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin. The two most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. The most common site for cellulitis is near the shins and ankles. Bacteria can enter through any disrupted areas in the skin such as incisions, cuts, punctures, ulcers, or athlete's foot. Insect or spider bites can also transmit the bacteria that cause the infection.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing cellulitis. Age reduces circulation to the skin, reducing the ability to mobilize infection-fighting cells. A weakened immune system also impairs the ability to fight infection. Illnesses such as leukemia and HIV can weaken the immune system. Immune-suppressing medications such as prednisone and cyclosporine also increase the risk of infection. Diabetes increases blood glucose and impairs the immune response. Decreased circulation to the lower extremities increases the risk for both ulcers and infection. Chickenpox and shingles cause broken blisters that are potential entry points for bacteria. Lymphedema, chronic swelling of the arms and legs, can cause the skin to crack allowing bacteria to enter. Chronic fungal infection of the feet or toes can also cause cracks in the skin that allow bacteria entry.

You should see your doctor the same day if you have a rash that is red, swollen, tender, warm and expanding. You should go to the emergency room if there is pain, fever or rapid change. Early treatment is important to prevent system-wide infection.

Oral antibiotics are the usual treatment for cellulitis. In most cases follow-up to antibiotic therapy will occur in 1 or 2 days. If signs and symptoms aren't resolving, hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic treatment may be ordered. Preventative measures include daily washing of wounds with soap and water, using antibiotic cream or ointment, dressing wounds and changing dressings daily or when dirty or wet. People with diabetes should moisturize skin regularly, trim fingernails and toenails carefully, protect their hands and feet, and treat any superficial infection including athlete's foot promptly.

Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cellulitis/DS00450/DSECTION=1

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