Cellulitis
#53
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. It can occur anywhere on the body, but it commonly affects the legs, arms, feet, toes, and hands.
Cellulitis is a very common condition that affects around 14 million people in the US each year.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of cellulitis include tenderness/pain, swelling, red/purple/dark-ish skin, warm skin, fever, chills, blisters, and muscle pain.
Causes
Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a crack or break (could be from things like an injury or surgery).
Although there are many bacteria that can cause cellulitis, the most common ones are Streptococcus (strep) and Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria.
Treatment
The usual treatment for cellulitis is a prescribed oral antibiotic, but other at-home treatments include warm compress, elevating the affected area, and using compression wraps/stockings.
**Despite their similar names, cellulitis and cellulite are NOT the same thing and are not related to one another.
Sources:
Very common infection