Skin Center       FORMAT TO PRINT: This section | All sections				November 17, 2004
	More In This Center Get the Basics Know your skin, hair and nails Slide show: How aging affects your skin Skin, hair and nail conditions: A to Z Slide show: What your fingernails can tell you about your health Tool: Skin type calculator Explore Cosmetic Treatments Smooth moves: Medical treatments for facial wrinkles Over-the-counter wrinkle creams: Miracle or marketing myth? Cosmetic surgery: What to know if you're considering it Liposuction: Considerations about body sculpting Breast reduction surgery: When less is more Laser resurfacing: One way to treat wrinkles Saving face: The nips and tucks of face-lifts Laser hair removal: Zapping unwanted hair Take Control Fingernails: Keep them healthy and strong Caring for your skin: What to do Protect your skin from harmful rays Hair removal 101: Strategies for smoother skin Tattoos and piercings: What to know before you go under the needle Environmental concerns MORE ON THIS TOPIC Ask a Specialist Cellulitis: Is it contagious? More Information		Cellulitis By Mayo Clinic staff Overview Article sections: Overview Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis Complications Treatment Prevention Cellulitis (sel-u-LI-tis) is a potentially serious bacterial infection of your skin. It appears as a swollen, red area of skin that feels hot and tender, and it may spread rapidly. Skin on the lower legs or face is most commonly affected by this infection, though cellulitis can occur on any part of your skin. The infection may only be superficial, but it may also affect the tissues underlying your skin and can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream. Left untreated, the spreading bacterial infection may rapidly turn into a life-threatening condition. That's why it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of cellulitis and to seek immediate medical attention if they occur. ^ Back to top Next section > March 15, 2004 DS00450 © 1998-2004 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.  A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.		Advertising and sponsorship policy
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