Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Cellulitis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Skin infection - bacterial

Symptoms:

  • Localized skin redness or inflammation that increases in size as the infection spreads
  • Tight, glossy, "stretched" appearance of the skin
  • Pain or tenderness of the area
  • Skin lesion or rash (macule):
    • Sudden onset
    • Usually with sharp borders
    • Rapid growth within the first 24 hours
  • Warmth over the area of redness
  • Fever
  • Other signs of infection:
    • Chills, shaking
    • Warm skin, sweating
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches, pains (myalgias)
    • General ill feeling (malaise)
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Joint stiffness caused by swelling of the tissue over the joint
  • Hair loss at the site of infection

Signs and tests:

During a physical examination, the doctor may find localized swelling. Occasionally, swollen glands (lymph nodes) can be detected near the cellulitis. Your health care provider may mark the edges of the redness with a pen, to see if the redness extends beyond the marked border over the next several days.

Tests that may be used:

  • Reviewed last on: 7/27/2006
  • Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD, Private Practice Specializing in Dermatology, Somerville, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com