Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that often enters through broken or cracked skin. The two types of bacteria that are usually responsible for cellulitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library reports that cellulitis most often occurs on areas of the legs and ankles, but can occur anywhere on the body. If you have an area of skin that is cracked or broken, take care to keep it clean and protected, and watch for the following signs of cellulitis.
Skin Symptoms
The first noticeable symptoms of cellulitis involve the skin. At the area of initial infection, you may experience redness, tenderness and swelling. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that as the infection continues and spreads, the skin redness may turn into a rash that quickly spreads. The skin may also become tight or stretched in its appearance. As inflammation and swelling continues, the reddened area may start to look pitted. The Mayo Clinic adds that small blisters may form on top of the reddened area.
Pain Symptoms
The site of the cellulitis infection can become very painful. Not only is it painful to the touch, but with an infection that has been left untreated, the body's muscles can become achy and painful as well. The Merck Manual Online Medical Library also reports that the lymph nodes can become large and painful if the bacteria spreads to the bloodstream.
Fever Symptoms
Since cellulitis is an infection, a fever is usually involved in the symptoms. The National Institutes of Health states that the fever is often accompanied by cold chills, fatigue, shaking, sweating and a general feeling of unwell.
Rare Symptoms
There are other symptoms that can occur with cellulitis, although according to the NIH, the rate of occurance is rare. These symptoms include swelling of joint tissue, which causes joint stiffness, nausea and vomiting, as well as hair loss on the skin near the infection site.
