“Usually there is a crack or break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter into it,” says Dr. Kaminska. “The most common location for cellulitis is the lower legs, but it can occur on any part of the body, including the face.”
If the cellulitis is severe, treatment may require intravenous antibiotics or surgical drainage of abscesses (pockets of pus).
Cellulitis is diagnosed by physical examination and taking a medical history, after which blood tests for bacterial infection may be ordered to rule out other conditions.
While there are several conditions that can mimic cellulitis, there are distinguishing factors. For instance, because cellulitis starts as a local infection, it usually affects only one side of the body.
“One really good way to determine if someone may or may not have cellulitis is that if the problem is in both legs, it is unlikely to be cellulitis,” says Kaminska.
In addition, if antibiotics aren’t clearing up a case of suspected cellulitis, other conditions may need to be considered.
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