From the Guidelines
Cellulitis symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness in the affected area, typically on the lower legs, face, or arms, and can be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes near the infection site. The skin often appears shiny, tight, and may develop blisters or dimpling with a texture similar to orange peel. As the infection progresses, red streaks may extend from the affected area, indicating spreading infection. Cellulitis develops when bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, enter through breaks in the skin and cause infection in the deeper layers 1. The condition requires prompt medical attention as it can spread rapidly and potentially lead to serious complications like sepsis if left untreated. People with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or chronic skin conditions are at higher risk for developing cellulitis and may experience more severe symptoms.
Key Characteristics of Cellulitis
- Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness in the affected area
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes near the infection site
- Skin appears shiny, tight, and may develop blisters or dimpling with a texture similar to orange peel
- Red streaks may extend from the affected area, indicating spreading infection
Causes and Risk Factors
- Bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, entering through breaks in the skin and causing infection in the deeper layers 1
- People with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or chronic skin conditions are at higher risk for developing cellulitis and may experience more severe symptoms
Importance of Prompt Medical Attention
- Cellulitis can spread rapidly and potentially lead to serious complications like sepsis if left untreated
- Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent serious complications and improve outcomes 1
From the Research
Symptoms of Cellulitis
- The symptoms of cellulitis typically include poorly demarcated unilateral erythema with warmth and tenderness, as noted in a study published in 2021 2.
- Physical examination is crucial in diagnosing cellulitis, and a thorough history and clinical examination can help narrow the differential diagnosis and minimize unnecessary hospitalization 2.
- Patients with more severe cellulitis, characterized by high C-reactive protein levels, large affected skin surface area, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome score, may exhibit more pronounced symptoms 3.
- Common symptoms of cellulitis may also include redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area, although these are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies.
- It is essential to note that there is no gold standard diagnostic test for cellulitis, making it a potentially challenging condition to distinguish from other mimickers 2.