US Medical Term · conditions
Cellulitis
Celulitis infecciosa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Cellulitis |
| Spanish (Español) | Celulitis infecciosa |
| Chinese (中文) | 蜂窩組織炎 |
| Korean (한국어) | 봉와직염 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Viêm mô tế bào |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Cellulitis |
| Portuguese (Português) | Celulite infecciosa |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | เนื้อเยื่ออักเสบ |
| Japanese (日本語) | 蜂窩織炎 |
What it means
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that affects the deeper layers of the skin and the tissue just beneath it. It most often occurs on the lower legs but can appear anywhere on the body. It develops when bacteria, usually streptococcus or staphylococcus, enter through a cut, wound, or area of dry cracked skin. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, sometimes accompanied by fever. Mild cases are treated with oral antibiotics. Severe or spreading infections may require intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. People with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or chronic skin conditions are at higher risk.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My leg is red, swollen, and warm and I think I may have cellulitis.
Mi pierna está roja, hinchada y caliente, y creo que podría tener celulitis infecciosa.
Do I need to be hospitalized for my cellulitis or can it be treated with oral antibiotics?
¿Necesito ser hospitalizado por mi celulitis o se puede tratar con antibióticos orales?
My cellulitis keeps coming back and I want to know how to prevent future infections.
Mi celulitis sigue volviendo y quiero saber cómo prevenir futuras infecciones.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
L03 Cellulitis and acute lymphangitisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026