Which statement best describes cellulitis?

Which statement best describes cellulitis?

• A. Is primarily a viral infection with fever
• B. Clinical diagnosis based on spreading erythematous inflammation of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue; two of four criteria are usually present; most common in the lower extremities
• C. Requires biopsy to confirm diagnosis
• D. Is limited to the epidermis

Answer: (B)

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that involves the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, it presents as a spreading area of erythema, warmth, swelling, and tenderness, often with fever. The diagnosis is mainly clinical—based on the pattern of inflammation and progression—rather than requiring a biopsy. It is not limited to the epidermis, which helps distinguish it from superficial dermatitis. The lower legs are the most common site. The statement that best describes cellulitis emphasizes this typical clinical picture, its depth, the common location, and the practical approach of diagnosing it clinically rather than by biopsy.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that involves the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Clinically, it presents as a spreading area of erythema, warmth, swelling, and tenderness, often with fever. The diagnosis is mainly clinical—based on the pattern of inflammation and progression—rather than requiring a biopsy. It is not limited to the epidermis, which helps distinguish it from superficial dermatitis. The lower legs are the most common site. The statement that best describes cellulitis emphasizes this typical clinical picture, its depth, the common location, and the practical approach of diagnosing it clinically rather than by biopsy.