What is the Difference Between Cellulitis and Impetigo?

Cellulitis and impetigo are both common skin infections, but they differ in their characteristics, causes, and effects on the skin.

Cellulitis:

• Affects the skin and the soft tissue below it, typically caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria entering through a crack or break in the skin.
• Occurs in the deeper subcutaneous tissues, resulting in a pinkish hue with less defined edges.
• Local signs of inflammation, such as warmth, erythema, and pain, are usually present.
• Systematic symptoms like fever, chills, and malaise may also be present.
• Diagnosis is usually made clinically, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) does not recommend routine collection of cultures.

Impetigo:

• A highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, primarily strep or staph, infecting the skin through a break like a cut, insect bite, or bodily injury.
• Involves the outer keratin layer of the skin, resulting in crusty lesions.
• Commonly seen in children aged two to five years and is classified as bullous or nonbullous.
• The nonbullous type presents with an erosion (sore), cluster of erosions, or small vesicles or pustules that have an adherent or oozing honey-yellow crust.

In summary, cellulitis is a deeper infection affecting the skin and soft tissue, while impetigo is a more superficial, contagious infection that results in crusty lesions. The two conditions are caused by different bacteria and have distinct clinical presentations.

Comparative Table: Cellulitis vs Impetigo

Cellulitis and impetigo are both bacterial skin infections, but they have some key differences. Here's a table summarizing the differences between the two:

Both infections are caused by gram-positive bacteria and can be diagnosed through physical examination.