Cellulitis Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

There are several steps you can take to prevent cellulitis from occurring in the first place or to prevent recurrent infections:

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.

Most skin injuries heal best when covered with gauze or an adhesive bandage that keeps the wound surface moist, but not wet.

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

Regularly washing your hands can stop the spread of some bacterial infections. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds — the amount of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

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.