Symptoms

Cellulitis usually begins as a swollen, pink or red patch of skin that may increase in size and severity as the infection spreads.

The following symptoms may occur in the affected area:

• redness and swelling
• warmth
• tenderness and pain

Some people develop blisters, skin dimpling, or spots.

A person may also experience other symptoms of an infection, such as:

• fatigue
• chills and cold sweats
• shivering
• fever
• nausea

In addition, the lymph glands may swell and become tender. Cellulitis in the leg, for example, may affect the lymph glands in the groin.

Other similar conditions

There are several other conditions that share similar symptoms with cellulitis.

A few examples include:

• Erysipelas: Similar to cellulitis, erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness and pain. However, erysipelas usually affects the outer layers of the skin, whereas cellulitis affects the deeper layers.
• Stasis dermatitis: This condition occurs due to insufficient blood flow and typically affects the lower legs. It can cause skin discoloration, ulcers, and swelling, and may be treatable with lifestyle changes and medical or surgical procedures.
• Dermatitis: Similar to cellulitis, dermatitis can cause skin discoloration, swelling, and blisters. However, it is usually the result of skin irritation and may be treatable with topical medications and antihistamines.
• Deep vein thrombosis: This condition usually affects the legs and is the result of a blood clot in a deep vein. Though it also causes pain, swelling, and redness similar to cellulitis, its treatment usually involves taking a blood thinner such as warfarin.