Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a skin infection that develops as a result of bacteria that breaches the skin barrier, and involves the tissues of the deeper dermis and subcutaneous fat. Cellulitis manifests as an area of swelling, redness and warmth on the surface of the skin. Any insult to the skin barrier puts a patient at higher risk for cellulitis, such as inflammation, rash, and impaired skin integrity from venous insufficiency. It is most commonly found in the lower extremities, and there may or may not be drainage from the site.
Symptoms that may mimic DVT
Warmth, redness and swelling in the skin, especially in common DVT sites in the lower extremities.
How symptoms may differ from DVT
Drainage from site, subjective history and Wells score
Baddour, L. (2013) "Cellulitis and erisypelas." UptoDate.