Cellulitis is a severe skin infection caused by bacteria. Not only the lower legs skin is affected by this disease, but other areas are also affected such as face and arms. Painful, red and swollen skin can is usually seen in this.

Typical signs and symptoms of cellulitis include red spots, swelling, pain, fever, red area of skin which expands, tenderness, warmth, blisters and skin dimpling.

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enters through a break in your skin. This break or crack in the skin can occur when you have undergone recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, dermatitis, athlete's foot, etc.

Your doctor diagnoses cellulitis by looking at your skin. In a few cases, the doctor may suggest blood tests or other tests to help rule out other conditions.

Oral antibiotic prescription is usually given for the treatment of cellulitis. Generally, the infection starts responding to treatment within three days of starting an antibiotic. A 5 to 10 days course of antibiotic is usually taken which can sometimes extend to 14 days. If signs and symptoms of cellulitis do not respond to oral antibiotics, and you have a high fever, hospitalization is required.