Difference between cellulitis and abscess

The difference between abscess and cellulitis is mainly in the following aspects: first, in terms of etiology, the main cause of abscess is Staphylococcus aureus infection, while cellulitis infection has more causes, the most common being due to Streptococcus haemolyticus infection, which is more complex. Secondly, the location of the onset is different, as abscesses can exist in any part of the body, while cellulitis mostly exists in specific areas, such as the extremities, face, abdominal wall, etc. Third, the clinical manifestations of patients are also different. The discomfort of cellulitis is often localized, while abscesses may appear systemic, accompanied by elevated body temperature, headache, etc., and cellulitis may further develop into abscesses.