Cellulitis vs. Phlebitis — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection, while Phlebitis is inflammation of a vein. Cellulitis often manifests as a red, swollen area, and Phlebitis can cause pain and localized redness along a vein.

Difference Between Cellulitis and Phlebitis

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Key Differences

Cellulitis is primarily an infection affecting the skin's deeper layers and is usually caused by bacteria. Phlebitis, on the other hand, involves the inflammation of the veins and is often related to intravenous procedures or trauma. While both conditions may present with redness and swelling, Cellulitis typically affects a broader area and may accompany fever.

Sep 07, 2023

Cellulitis is commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria and often arises from a break in the skin. Phlebitis may occur post-surgery or after intravenous treatments and could be classified into superficial or deep vein types. Cellulitis necessitates antibiotic treatment to eliminate the bacterial infection, whereas Phlebitis usually requires anti-inflammatory medication.

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In terms of symptoms, Cellulitis often exhibits a rapidly expanding red, swollen, and warm area of the skin, usually on the legs. Phlebitis tends to present localized redness and tenderness along the course of an affected vein, commonly in the legs but can also occur in the arms. Phlebitis may also involve a clot in the vein, making the condition potentially more severe.

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Cellulitis may become a serious issue if not treated promptly, possibly leading to systemic infection. Phlebitis, especially the deep vein type, can lead to complications like a pulmonary embolism if a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. In sum, both Cellulitis and Phlebitis are conditions requiring medical attention but differ significantly in causes, treatment, and potential complications.

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Comparison Chart

Cause

Bacterial infection

Vein inflammation

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Treatment

Antibiotics

Anti-inflammatory meds

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Common Sites

Legs, arms

Legs, arms

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Complications

Systemic infection

Pulmonary embolism

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Symptoms

Expanding red area

Localized redness along a vein

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Compare with Definitions

Cellulitis

A bacterial infection affecting the deeper layers of skin.

She was treated for cellulitis after noticing a rapidly spreading red patch on her leg.

Sep 07, 2023

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Phlebitis

An inflammation of a vein, often in the leg.

The nurse noticed signs of phlebitis around the IV site.

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Cellulitis

Typically caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.

The doctor said her cellulitis was likely due to a Staph infection.

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Phlebitis

Often caused by intravenous procedures or trauma.

The surgery left her with a mild case of phlebitis.

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Cellulitis

Can result from a break in the skin.

The bug bite on his arm developed into cellulitis.

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Phlebitis

Can lead to complications like a pulmonary embolism.

The doctor warned that untreated phlebitis could result in a pulmonary embolism.

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Cellulitis

An inflammation of body tissue (especially that below the skin) characterized by fever and swelling and redness and pain

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

Treated with anti-inflammatory medications.

He was given medication to help with his phlebitis symptoms.

Sep 07, 2023

Cellulitis

A skin condition often marked by redness, swelling, and warmth.

His cellulitis symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalization.

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Phlebitis

May be associated with a clot in the affected vein.

His phlebitis was complicated by a small clot.

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Cellulitis

An acute, spreading, bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Cellulitis often originates from an infected wound and can lead to serious illness in the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the walls of a vein.

May 10, 2018

Cellulitis

An inflammation of subcutaneous or connective tissue caused by a bacterial infection

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

May 10, 2018

Cellulitis

Requires antibiotic treatment for effective resolution.

She was prescribed antibiotics for her cellulitis.

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Phlebitis

Phlebitis or venitis is the inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs. It most commonly occurs in superficial veins.

May 10, 2018

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin. It specifically affects the dermis and subcutaneous fat.

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein.

May 10, 2018

Cellulitis

Inflammation of subcutaneous connective tissue.

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

(pathology) Inflammation of a vein, usually in the legs.

May 10, 2018

Cellulitis

An inflammantion of the cellular or areolar tissue, esp. of that lying immediately beneath the skin.

May 10, 2018

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein (usually in the legs)

May 10, 2018

Common Curiosities

How is Phlebitis treated?

Usually with anti-inflammatory medications.

Sep 07, 2023

What are common symptoms of Cellulitis?

Expanding red, swollen, warm area on the skin.

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What is Cellulitis?

A bacterial skin infection affecting the deeper layers of skin.

Sep 07, 2023

What is Phlebitis?

Inflammation of a vein, often in the legs or arms.

Sep 07, 2023

How is Cellulitis treated?

With antibiotics.

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Can Cellulitis lead to other complications?

Yes, untreated cellulitis can lead to systemic infection.

Sep 07, 2023

What causes Phlebitis?

Often intravenous procedures or trauma.

Sep 07, 2023

Where does Cellulitis commonly occur?

Often on legs or arms.

Sep 07, 2023

What are common symptoms of Phlebitis?

Localized redness and tenderness along an affected vein.

Sep 07, 2023

What causes Cellulitis?

Typically bacterial infection, often through a break in the skin.

Sep 07, 2023

Can Phlebitis lead to other complications?

Yes, particularly pulmonary embolism if a clot is present.

Sep 07, 2023

Where does Phlebitis commonly occur?

Usually in the legs but can also be in the arms.

Sep 07, 2023

Is Cellulitis contagious?

No, but the bacteria causing it can be spread.

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Is Phlebitis contagious?

No, it's inflammation and not an infection.

Sep 07, 2023

Do both Cellulitis and Phlebitis require medical attention?

Yes, both conditions need medical diagnosis and treatment.

Sep 07, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.