<P> Cellulitis is a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin . It specifically affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat . Signs and symptoms include an area of redness which increases in size over a few days . The borders of the area of redness are generally not sharp and the skin may be swollen . While the redness often turns white when pressure is applied, this is not always the case . The area of infection is usually painful . Lymphatic vessels may occasionally be involved, and the person may have a fever and feel tired . </P> <P> The legs and face are the most common sites involved, though cellulitis can occur on any part of the body . The leg is typically affected following a break in the skin . Other risk factors include obesity, leg swelling, and old age . For facial infections, a break in the skin beforehand is not usually the case . The bacteria most commonly involved are streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus . In contrast to cellulitis, erysipelas is a bacterial infection involving the more superficial layers of the skin, present with an area of redness with well - defined edges, and more often is associated with a fever . Diagnosis is usually based on the presenting signs and symptoms, while cell culture is rarely possible . Before making a diagnosis, more serious infections such as an underlying bone infection or necrotizing fasciitis should be ruled out . </P> <P> Treatment is typically with antibiotics taken by mouth, such as cephalexin, amoxicillin or cloxacillin . For those who are seriously allergic to penicillin, erythromycin or clindamycin may be used . When methicillin - resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is a concern, doxycycline or trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole may, in addition, be recommended . Concern is related to the presence of pus or previous MRSA infections . Elevating the infected area may be useful, as may pain killers . </P> <P> Potential complications include abscess formation . Around 95% of people are better after seven to ten days of treatment . Those with diabetes, however, often have worse outcomes . Cellulitis occurred in about 21.2 million people in 2015 . In the United States about two of every 1,000 people per year have a case affecting the lower leg . Cellulitis in 2015 resulted in about 16,900 deaths worldwide . In the United Kingdom, cellulitis was the reason for 1.6% of admissions to a hospital . </P>

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