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Cellulitis Types
Cellulitis is a skin infection characterized by swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. This common condition can affect people of all age groups, but tends to occur more often in men than women. It is most commonly caused by a type of bacteria known as group A streptococcus.
While it can occur anywhere on the body, cellulitis most often affects the legs, feet, arms, and hands. When the infection occurs in these areas, it is referred to as cellulitis of the extremities. However, there are many other types of cellulitis, including some that occur on the toes or within the eye socket.
(For more information on the different forms of this condition and the parts of the body they affect, click Types of Cellulitis.)
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD



