Hot Health Tips Cellulitis John L. Brodhead Jr., USC associate professor of internal medicine, describes the skin problem that is especially common in children or immunocompromised adults. Cellulitis is an infection of the skin that may affect any part of the body, but usually apears on the lower legs or face. Lots of different bacteria can cause cellulitis. Some might come from dog or cat bites, others from farm animals, still others from simple scratches and scrapes.
Cellulitis also can come from fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.
An area of tenderness, swelling and redness appears under the skin-oftentimes where skin has been broken with a cut or scratch. Sometimes fever, sweating and swollen glands may accompany the spreading area of redness. Sometimes people with diabetes or immune problems get cellulitis without a break in the skin. Doctors look at the affected area and sometimes ask for a blood test to check for infection. If cellulitis is the answer, doctors give patients antibiotics, which help the body get rid of bacteria.