The infection causes inflammation in the affected area and can spread through the surrounding skin if untreated. Cellulitis usually affects one side of the body and may develop rapidly over a short period of time.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of cellulitis of the lower extremity may include:

• redness of the skin
• swelling of the affected area
• warmth of the skin
• pain or tenderness
• skin that appears tight or stretched
• fever or feeling generally unwell in some cases

The affected area of skin may gradually expand and become more inflamed as the infection progresses.

Possible Causes

Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enter the skin through cuts, scratches, insect bites, ulcers or other breaks in the skin. The most common bacteria responsible are streptococcus and staphylococcus.

Certain conditions may increase the risk of cellulitis, including skin injuries, chronic skin conditions, swelling of the legs, poor circulation or weakened immune function.

Reference

Content adapted from information provided by Ontario Health – Health811:https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/medical-library/condition?name=cellulitis%20of%20the%20lower%20extremity