Cellulitis of the leg is an common, acute, painful and potentially serious infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It currently accounts for 2-3% of UK hospital admissions. The average length of in-patient stay is 9 days (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health (UK), 2002-2003) and 25-50% of treated patients suffer further episodes and other morbidity, such as oedema and ulceration.