Cellulitis Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

While cellulitis isn’t always preventable, understanding its causes and risk factors may lower your chances of becoming infected and help you to know when it’s time to seek medical care.

A Weak Immune System

Some people develop infections easily because their immune systems aren’t strong enough to protect them from bacteria and other germs. Children and the elderly typically have weaker immune systems and are at greater risk of cellulitis than young and middle-aged adults.

Certain medical conditions also weaken the immune system. These include diabetes, cancer, HIV, and autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

A History of Skin Problems

You can also get cellulitis when another skin condition causes a break in your skin. These include athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, shingles, and chickenpox.

Being Obese or Overweight

Lymphedema

Lymphedema in the legs can also occur as a result of cancer treatment, injury to the lymph nodes or lymph vessels in the legs, or certain infections.

Injection Drug Use

Protect Your Skin From Injury

Here’s how you can prevent skin injuries:

• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
• Don’t pick at or scratch your skin.
• Keep your fingernails trimmed to help prevent scratching.
• Follow your doctor’s orders for treating eczema and other rashes or skin conditions.
• Learn to use knives and other sharp tools properly.
• Avoid burns when cooking by using hot pads to handle hot pots and pans, and wear gloves when washing dishes.
• For construction and DIY projects, or when using hazardous chemicals, wear protective gloves, boots, and safety goggles.
• When playing sports, wear appropriate protective gear.
• Don’t walk around barefoot, especially outdoors — and especially if you have diabetes.
• Don’t attempt “bathroom surgery” on calluses or corns.

Treat Wounds Promptly and Properly

“Wounds should be cleaned with soap and water, covered with a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment, and then covered with a bandage,” says Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a board-certified infectious disease physician in Pittsburgh and a senior scholar and assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security in Baltimore.

“People with wounds should avoid exposure to fresh water, dirt, and the like, and wounds should be inspected daily to check for signs of infection, which could include redness, drainage, and swelling,” Dr. Adalja adds.

Monitor wounds and look for any signs of infection. If your symptoms get worse rather than better, progress quickly, or become severe, go to the emergency department, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care in Beverly Hills, California, and a clinical instructor at the University of Southern California.

“Regular reassessment of the skin by a healthcare provider is critical for appropriate management,” Dr. Shainhouse notes.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Dry your hands with a clean towel and apply moisturizer to your hands and skin on a regular basis. This can prevent skin dryness and cracking.

Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Obesity or being overweight can increase the risk for cellulitis, so take steps toward maintaining a healthy weight by limiting your intake of sugar and fast food, eating plenty of unprocessed fruits and vegetables, and increasing your daily physical activity.

• Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin that causes redness, swelling, and tenderness.
• Risk factors for cellulitis include being obese, having a weakened immune system, and lymphedema, a potential complication of breast cancer treatment.
• Good hygiene and skin care, and quickly treating any breaks in the skin can help prevent cellulitis.
• Untreated cellulitis can get worse quickly and potentially cause severe complications; if you develop signs or symptoms of cellulitis, see a doctor right away.