What condition occurs when there is an infection of the skin's connective tissue?

The condition that occurs when there is an infection of the skin's connective tissue is cellulitis. This infection typically affects the deeper layers of the skin, specifically the dermis and subcutaneous fat. It is caused by bacteria, most commonly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species, which enter the skin through cuts, abrasions, or insect bites.

Symptoms of cellulitis include swelling, redness, warmth in the affected area, and sometimes fever. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent the infection from spreading.

While infection is a broader term that could encompass many types of skin and tissue infections, it does not specifically refer to the connective tissue itself. Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergens and irritants, rather than a bacterial infection. Folliculitis is an infection of hair follicles, often resulting from irritation or obstruction, and does not encompass the broader connective tissue infection involved in cellulitis.