What term describes a skin infection caused by bacteria that invade tissues due to a break in the skin?

What term describes a skin infection caused by bacteria that invade tissues due to a break in the skin?

• A. Cellulitis
• B. Dermatitis
• C. Abscess
• D. Furuncle

Answer: (A)

Cellulitis is a common skin infection that arises when bacteria, most often streptococcus and staphylococcus, penetrate the dermis through a break in the skin such as a cut, scrape, or insect bite. This infection results in inflammation and can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and, in more severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever. The other terms provided refer to different conditions: dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can be caused by various irritants or allergens, but it does not refer specifically to a bacterial infection. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can occur as a result of infection but does not describe the overall tissue infection seen in cellulitis. Likewise, a furuncle, commonly known as a boil, is a painful lump under the skin caused by infected hair follicles, which is distinct from the widespread infection seen in cellulitis. Therefore, cellulitis specifically describes the type of skin infection caused by bacteria invading tissues through a break in the skin.

Cellulitis is a common skin infection that arises when bacteria, most often streptococcus and staphylococcus, penetrate the dermis through a break in the skin such as a cut, scrape, or insect bite. This infection results in inflammation and can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and, in more severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever.

The other terms provided refer to different conditions: dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can be caused by various irritants or allergens, but it does not refer specifically to a bacterial infection. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can occur as a result of infection but does not describe the overall tissue infection seen in cellulitis. Likewise, a furuncle, commonly known as a boil, is a painful lump under the skin caused by infected hair follicles, which is distinct from the widespread infection seen in cellulitis. Therefore, cellulitis specifically describes the type of skin infection caused by bacteria invading tissues through a break in the skin.