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Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layer of skin (dermis) and the layer of fat and soft tissues (the subcutaneous tissues) that lie underneath the skin. The condition is similar to erysipelas, which only affects the skin itself and the tissues nearer to the surface.
Cellulitis is not to be confused with cellulite, which is a cosmetic problem.
A variety of bacteria groups live on the skin’s surface but do not normally cause any problems. Usually the bacteria are not concentrated enough to do any harm, but sometimes they pass deeper into the skin and establish an infection.
Two of these groups of micro organisms, streptococci and staphylococci, are generally the main cause of cellulitis. These two groups are among the most common bacteria that cause infections in humans.
The bacteria enter the skin through any damaged areas, like a spot, cut, wound or via a skin condition such as eczema or a leg ulcer. Once it is inside the skin, the bacteria produce powerful enzymes that break down the natural barriers that normally prevent bacteria spreading in the tissue. This allows infection and inflammation to spread. Any area of the body can be affected but the leg is the most common region.
