Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissue caused by bacteria. This infection is serious and should receive immediate medical attention. Without treatment the infection can damage skin tissues and spread quickly through the bloodstream to the entire body. It could become life threatening.  Cellulitis is usually worse for those who have reduced resistance to infection because of illnesses or disorders such as AIDS/HIV, diabetes, or a weak immune system.

Cellulitis most often occurs on the face, arms, or legs, but it can occur anywhere. Bacteria enter the body through a cut or sore.  The infection spreads over the area for about 2 days and can affect tissues below the skin.

Orbital cellulitis, a particularly dangerous infection, usually develops when bacteria enter the soft tissue around the eye socket from the sinuses or a boil near the eye. Infected tissues swell around the eye, causing it to bulge out. There is usually redness in the eye, swollen eyelids, severe pain, and fever. Other rare complications can include a temporary loss of vision, pus coming out of the eye, and meningitis if the infection spreads to the brain.