Is Cellulitis Contagious? Transmission and Treatment - Verywell Health
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection caused by bacteria known as group A Streptococcus (group A strep) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) . These bacteria are typically found on the skin and in the nose and throat of healthy individuals. Although cellulitis is not contagious, it can affect anyone. Certain skin injuries (cuts, burns, piercings, insect bites) and skin conditions, such as shingles (a viral skin condition), eczema (an allergic skin condition), or athlete's foot (a fungal skin infection), allow bacteria to enter the skin, thus increasing your risk of developing cellulitis. Many people develop cellulitis when bacteria enter the skin through lacerations (deep cuts or tears in the skin) or surgical wounds. This allows cellulitis to develop anywhere in the body, but it typically affects the arms and legs. This article discusses the transmission, risk factors, and treatments of cellulitis. Sasi Ponchaisang / EyeEm / G