How to Recognize the Risk Factors of Cellulitis

There are certain risk factors of cellulitis you should learn to recognize to determine whether you are at greater risk than others for developing the condition. Though some risk factors are genetic and therefore unavoidable, it's helpful to understand how to take steps to avoid cellulitis based on your own personal medical condition.

Instructions

1. Note any diseases that you have or medications you take that weaken your immune system, which may be risk factors for cellulitis. Your immune system fights off infections like cellulitis, so diseases like leukemia and other forms of cancer that reduce the strength of the body's defense system may make your skin more susceptible to infection. Some medications that suppress your immune system are used to treat other medical conditions, such as organ transplants, but may put you at a higher risk for infection by cellulitis and other bacterial infections if you take them.

2. Think about your age as a risk factor for cellulitis. As you get older, your blood flow and circulation tends to slow down and may not reach some areas of your body. Since your blood carries the white cells that fight infection, the areas of your body that have poor circulation may be more at risk for infection by cellulitis if the skin covering them is injured.

3. Regard having diabetes as a major risk factor for cellulitis. If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk for infection by cellulitis due to the decrease in strength of your immune system as your blood sugar level gets higher. Diabetes also sometimes causes ulcers in the feet due to poor circulation through the lower portion of your body, which may also be at high risk for infection by bacteria.

4. Take into account common viruses and diseases you may have had in the past, such as shingles and chickenpox. These medical conditions often cause blisters on the skin, which allow bacteria to enter and spread infection. When you are ill with these types of viruses, it's important to take extra care with your skin and try to recognize symptoms that appear.

5. Learn about lymphedema, a chronic medical condition that causes the arms and legs to swell. This swelling often causes the tissue beneath the skin to crack, which puts it at greater risk for bacterial infection.

6. Eliminate the risk of contracting cellulitis after surgery by following your doctor's post-operative care instructions to the letter. Any surgical procedure, from minor operations to more extensive procedures like cardiac surgery, put you at greater risk for bacterial infection. Talk to your doctor about how to best protect yourself from infection before undergoing any procedure and be sure you understand to recognize any symptoms that may occur after the surgery.

Tips & Warnings

• If you think you are especially at risk for cellulitis, talk to your doctor about appropriate preventative measures you can take. He may recommend more frequent check-ups to monitor your condition.