Cellulitis and cellulite are two very different things. One will make you cringe when you put on a bathing suit and the other can kill you. If left unchecked, the skin infection known as cellulitis can spread to your lymph nodes and bloodstream and become life threatening. It can enter your body through a tiny cut from shaving your legs, an insect bite or even from cracks in severely dry skin. Cellulitis can also occur with human or animal bites, so if your child is bitten by another child, be sure to watch the wound carefully. Because it can spread rapidly, you should know what to look for if you suspect you might have an infection and where to get cellulitis help.

What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a non-contagious bacterial skin infection. While the bacteria are present in the world around us, you cannot “catch” it from someone else. Cellulitis is actually an inflammation of the cells in the skin layers. It can enter the body through any break in the skin and is usually caused by the Streptococcus and Staphylococcus germs. The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasing and becoming more well known. A very rare complication can result in the deep-tissue infection necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh eating strep. Once the bacteria have entered through a break in the skin, they attack the tissues and can spread rapidly throughout the body.

What are the Symptoms?
Cellulitis usually appears on the lower legs, particularly around the shins and ankles. It can appear on the face, although this is more common in young children and older adults. The skin becomes swollen, red, and warm to the touch and may be accompanied by small red bumps or blisters.READ MORE-http://www.lifescript.com/health/archive/cellulitis_when_to_worry.aspx-WHY THIS POST WELL AT MOMENT MY WIFE HAS THIS ON HER LEFT LEG .OUR DAILY ROUTINE AT THIS TIME OF POST IS PUTTING ON ABSORBENT PADS - 4 SMALL -AND CON FONT STOCKING OVER THEM AND THEN HER REATING HER LEG WITH A TOWEL AND BLANKET UNDER IT .THE PRACTICE NURSE HAS VISITED AND WE AWAIT A MATRON TO ON TUESDAY TO PUT OTHER ACTIONS IN FOR US -IE WHEELCHAIR,HELP WITH DIET AND BREATHING AND OF COURSE THE PRESENT WOUND CARE