Bug bites cause a break in the skin, which allows the bacteria to enter, creating the infection.

What It Looks Like

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There are approximately 14 million cases of cellulitis per year in the United States.

Folliculitis with surrounding cellulitis

Zay Nyi Nyi / Getty Images

The affected skin may also be tight and shiny with blisters.

How a Bug Bite Can Cause Cellulitis

1.

A bug bite creates an opening

2.

Bacteria enter the skin

3.

Treatment

Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics, which are taken for at least five days.

The infection can quickly develop into a more serious condition.

Complications

Cellulitis infections can develop into more serious conditions and complications.

Theinfection can spread to the bloodstreamor can cause significant tissue damage or tissue death.

These people tend to have underlying health conditions or infections.

Prevention

Cellulitis from a bug bite is a deep skin infection that cannot always be prevented.

However, you’re free to take several steps to reduce the likelihood of an infection.

Finding ways to stop the itching can also help prevent cellulitis.

What Else Could It Be?

Cellulitis can mimic other conditions, such asSkeeter syndrome.

Skeeter syndrome is an inflammatory reaction brought on by a mosquito bite.

Its symptoms include swelling, itching, redness, and warmth.

A fever and swollen lymph nodes can also occur in Skeeter syndrome.

The key difference is that Skeeter syndrome occurs within hours of a mosquito bite.

Summary

Cellulitis is a skin infection that affects the deep layers of the skin.

Symptoms include redness, swelling, and an orange peel-like appearance on the skin.

Treatment from a healthcare provider will consist of antibiotics and other therapies to reduce the cellulitis symptoms.

Always contact a healthcare provider if cellulitis is suspected because it can cause serious complications.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Group A strep infection: about cellulitis.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About mosquito bites.