A 18-year-old female asked:
What are symptoms of cellulitis? how do you tell the difference between cellulitis and folliculitis?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Einanswered
Infectious Disease 50 years experience
See below: Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by a small or microscopic break in the skin that allows staphylococcus or streptococcus colonizing the skin to enter and cause infection. It causes the skin to turn a diffuse red color with warmth, swelling and tenderness.Folliculitis is infection of the hair follicles with inflammation and small pustules of the hair follicles.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Michael Milleranswered
Wound care 38 years experience
What's the cause ?: Cellulitis is basically a visible inflammation (itis) of the skin and soft tissues (red, hot, swollen and tender) . It can be caused by many things including sunburn (radiation), trauma (sprained ankle) or poor vein circulation (stasis dermatitis). It need not be caused by bacteria. If you have repeated episodes of this, get to a wound care or vascular specialist, the diagnoses you have is wrong.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Payam Rafatanswered
Podiatry 24 years experience
Itis... Inflamation: Cellulitis results in inflammation of the soft tissue resulting in redness, swelling, and possible pain. Folliculitis results from an inflamed or blocked hair follicle.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Feb 28, 2021
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