Cellulitis is best described as?

Cellulitis is best described as?

• A. Acute inflammation with bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
• B. Joint infection caused by bacteria
• C. Viral infection of the skin
• D. Chronic venous insufficiency causing edema

Answer: (A)

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that triggers inflammation. It typically presents with rapid onset of red, warm, swollen, and tender skin, often with fever or systemic symptoms. The infection usually results from bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus entering through a break in the skin or in areas of edema. This is distinct from a joint infection, which involves the joint space and causes a hot, painful, swollen joint with limited movement rather than primarily the skin. It’s not a viral skin infection, as cellulitis is caused by bacteria and produces an inflammatory, non-viral pattern. It’s also not a chronic problem like venous insufficiency with edema, which causes chronic swelling and skin changes rather than an acute infectious, inflammatory process.

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues that triggers inflammation. It typically presents with rapid onset of red, warm, swollen, and tender skin, often with fever or systemic symptoms. The infection usually results from bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus entering through a break in the skin or in areas of edema.

This is distinct from a joint infection, which involves the joint space and causes a hot, painful, swollen joint with limited movement rather than primarily the skin. It’s not a viral skin infection, as cellulitis is caused by bacteria and produces an inflammatory, non-viral pattern. It’s also not a chronic problem like venous insufficiency with edema, which causes chronic swelling and skin changes rather than an acute infectious, inflammatory process.