10 Cellulitis Symptoms

By adr.ian

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Cellulitis.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cellulitis
• 2. 'Cellulitis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Feb. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370762.
• 3. 'Cutaneous Abscess.' DermNet NZ, dermnetnz.org/topics/cutaneous-abscess
• 4. 'Cellulitis.' Penn Medicine, www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/cellulitis

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In its early stages, cellulitis appears as slightly inflamed skin that's pink to red. As it progresses, its color can darken to a deeper red, and the inflamed area can become swollen, tender and warm. Those with cellulitis may also find pus-filled bumps or blisters on affected areas.

The condition is caused by bacteria entering a wound or an area that's void of skin, such as mucous membranes found in the nose and mouth.¹‘Cellulitis.’ Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cellulitis Poor skin hygiene and circulation problems can also cause infections. Cellulitis has several other symptoms, some of which are more severe and painful than others.

Inflamed Skin

Cellulitis usually occurs on one side of the body, commonly on the lower legs. If medical advice or attention is not sought, the infection could spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life-threatening. Cellulitis has an incubation period of anywhere from 24 hours to several days, depending on the type of bacteria that caused it.

The first symptom that many people experience is inflamed skin. Initially, the infected area may have minimal inflammation. As the infection spreads, the inflamed area can grow and quickly progress from a pinkish color to deep red.