Cellulitis is best described as which of the following?

• A. A mild rash due to allergies.
• B. A fungal infection of the skin.
• C. A skin infection caused by staph or strep, typically treated with antibiotics, warm compresses, and elevation.
• D. A superficial burn.

Answer: (C)

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, most commonly caused by staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus species. It shows up as a red, warm, swollen, and tender area that may expand and be accompanied by fever or malaise. The management described—antibiotics to target these skin bacteria, along with supportive measures like warm compresses and elevation to reduce edema and relieve discomfort—fits this condition well. The other scenarios don’t capture the infectious, bacterial nature or the typical treatment approach: an allergic rash is usually itchy and not necessarily warm or expanding; a fungal infection presents with ring-shaped, scaly patches rather than a heated, swollen area; a superficial burn is tissue damage from heat, not an infection by skin bacteria.