What term describes an acute, diffuse, spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue?

The term that describes an acute, diffuse, spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is cellulitis. This condition typically arises from bacterial infection, often originating from a break in the skin, which allows pathogens to penetrate deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissues. Symptoms usually include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area.

Cellulitis is critical to recognize promptly because if left untreated, the infection can progress and cause more severe complications, such as abscess formation or systemic infection. It's important to differentiate cellulitis from other conditions that might affect the skin to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.

The other terms presented do not refer to skin infections: embolism pertains to an obstruction in a blood vessel, dyscrasia refers to an abnormal condition of blood, often linked to blood disorders, and hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells. These concepts are distinct and are not associated with the characteristics of cellulitis.