[Cellulitis: clinical manifestations and management]

Cellulitis is an acute bacterial non-necrotizing dermal-hypodermal infection predominantly affecting the lower limbs. It is characterised by a circumscribed erythema with a raised border and fever. The predisposing factors are skin wounds, edema from any cause and systemic factors (diabetes, immunosuppression). The diagnosis is clinical and the most common complication is recurrence. Other complications include local abscess, fasciitis and bacteremia. The germ is rarely identified. The majority of infections (85%) is due to group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The treatment of cellulitis consists of an association of an antibiotic with rest of the concerned area.