The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis are beta-hemolytic streptococci (groups A, B, C, G, and F). A form of rather superficial cellulitis caused by strep is called erysipelas and is characterized by spreading hot, bright red circumscribed area on the skin with a sharp, raised border. Erysipelas is more common in young children. The so-called “flesh-eating bacteria” are, in fact, also a strain of strep bacteria that can sometimes rapidly destroy tissues underneath the skin. Continue reading →