Which skin condition is an acute, diffuse infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue?

Cellulitis is characterized as an acute, diffuse infection that affects both the skin and the underlying subcutaneous tissue. It typically arises from bacteria entering the skin through breaks, such as cuts or insect bites, leading to widespread inflammation and infection in the affected area. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain, often accompanied by systemic signs like fever.

The other options refer to different types of skin infections or conditions. Folliculitis is an infection that specifically targets hair follicles, leading to pin-sized red bumps or pustules. Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection primarily affecting children, characterized by the presence of blisters or sores, but it is not diffuse like cellulitis. Furuncles, or boils, are localized infections of hair follicles that form painful, pus-filled lumps, distinctly focused and not widespread like cellulitis. These differences in the nature and presentation of infections help clarify why cellulitis is the correct answer.