Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the layer of tissue under the skin.
What is going on in the body?
Cellulitis most often develops on the legs but can be seen on the face and on any
other skin on the body. It tends to affect a fairly large area of skin.
Cellulitis is usually due to an infection of the skin with bacteria, but it may
also be caused by a fungus.
What are the causes and risks of the infection?
Cellulitis is usually caused by a break in the skin that becomes infected with
bacteria or fungi. It can occur in wounds caused by injury and in surgical wounds. It can also occur when there is no obvious break in the skin.
Risk factors for cellulitis include the following:
recent surgery
diabetes
recent chickenpox
infection
immunodeficiency
disorder, in which the body's infection-fighting mechanisms are
impaired. People with
AIDS, for example, have a significant risk of cellulitis.
impaired circulation, such as
peripheral arterial disease, which limits blood flow to the legs
and arms
chronic use of steroids
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