Cellulitis - Overview, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Cellulitis - Overview, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

00:00 - Overview
00:22 - Symptoms
00:40 - Diagnosis and Treatment

-SCRIPT-
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria are the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.

Symptoms include:

- Fever and chills
- Swollen glands or lymph nodes
- A rash with painful, red, tender skin. The skin may blister and scab over.

Your health care provider may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (by IV) for more severe cases.