![]() Keep them short to avoid scratches that could introduce bacteria into your skin. Fingernails are a popular hangout for bacteria. Use moisturizer to prevent and treat itchy, dry or cracked skin that could be vulnerable to bacteria. There are several ways to reduce your risk of cellulitis: ![]() any of your symptoms continue even after you have finished taking your antibiotic prescription.If the cellulitis infection affects your arm or leg, keep your limb elevated to decrease swelling and ensure your recovery stays on track. Practice proper wound care and get enough rest during your recovery. While rare, serious cases of cellulitis may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotics. ![]() They may prescribe oral antibiotics, which often clear the infection in seven to 10 days. ![]() Elevating an arm or leg above the rest of the body to let fluid “sink” to lower parts of the body may help reduce the risk of cellulitis.Ĭellulitis can be treated by your primary care provider or a dermatologist. Minimize edema or excess fluid with compression socks or sleeves. Excess fluid (edema) in the arms or legs can increase your risk of cellulitis. Make healthy lifestyle changes and consider a weight management program to support your health goals. Obesity makes it more challenging to recover from skin infections. Cellulitis is more likely to occur in people who are overweight. For example, contact your health care provider if you have an animal bite, step on a nail, get dirt in a wound, have frostbite or other high-risk injuries. Some injuries can put you at a higher risk of cellulitis than others. Open wounds and surgical incisions increase your risk of skin infections like cellulitis. People with diabetes should monitor their feet for broken skin or signs of a bacterial infection. A weakened immune system makes it harder to fend off invading bacteria. People who have diabetes, cancer, HIV or other medical conditions that weaken the immune system are more prone to cellulitis. Talk with a dermatologist to manage your skin conditions and prevent cellulitis. Eczema and cellulitis may look the same because both conditions can cause skin irritation and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis ( eczema), athlete’s foot and other skin conditions may allow bacteria to enter openings in the skin. People of all ages should practice healthy habits to boost the immune system and improve circulation. Older adults are more likely to develop cellulitis because the skin, immune system and circulation weaken with age. Some people have a greater risk of getting cellulitis. Other symptoms of cellulitis may include: Signs and symptoms of cellulitisĬellulitis often starts with skin irritation, swelling and redness in the affected area. However, it’s possible to get cellulitis from an infected person’s open wound through skin-to-skin contact. Two types of bacteria, staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep), are the most common culprits.Ĭellulitis is rarely contagious. What causes cellulitis?Ĭellulitis is caused by bacteria entering the body through openings in the skin. Here’s what you need to know about the causes, treatment and prevention of cellulitis. Cellulitis can potentially become life-threatening if left untreated. However, it can affect other parts of your body. Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection that typically affects the arms and legs.
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