When present, the affected skin swells and is red, tender and hot to the touch. Cellulitis most usually affects the skin of the lower legs and can be limited to the surface; however, it can affect any part of the body. If it penetrates deeper, cellulitis can affect underlying skin tissues and spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream. Group A streptococcus and staphylococcus B pathogens are responsible for many cellulitis cases. Cellulitis is not usually contagious.
It should be clear: It is dangerous to delay treatment or ignore cellulitis. The following symptoms require medical attention immediately:
• A red, swollen rash that changes rapidly is an emergency. So is a fever.
• Nausea or vomiting accompanying the above can indicate a cellulitis infection has entered the bloodstream or spread to other parts of the body.
Cellulitis symptoms that require a doctor visit are pain tenderness, red spots, blisters, and a large or expanding area of skin.