footballcat said:
How can u prevent yourself from getting this cellulitus
The cause of cellulitis usually is one or more types of bacteria that enter through a crack or break in your skin. The two most common types of bacteria that cause cellulitis are streptococcus (strep-toe-KOK-us) and staphylococcus (staf-uh-lo-KOK-uhs).
Although cellulitis may occur anywhere on your body, the most common location is the legs, especially near your shins and ankles. Disrupted areas of skin, such as where you've had recent surgery, cuts, puncture wounds, an ulcer, athlete's foot or dermatitis, serve as the most likely areas for bacteria to enter.
Certain types of insect or spider bites also can transmit the bacteria that start the infection. Areas of dry, flaky skin also can be an entry point for bacteria, as can swollen skin.
Several factors can place you at greater risk of developing cellulitis:
Age. As you age, your circulatory system becomes less effective at delivering blood — and its infection-fighting white blood cells — to some areas of your body. As a result, skin abrasions may lead to infections such as cellulitis where your circulation is poor.
Weakened immune system. Illnesses that result in a weakening of your immune system leave you more susceptible to infections such as cellulitis. Examples of these illnesses include chronic lymphocytic leukemia and HIV infection. Taking immune-suppressing drugs such as prednisone or cyclosporine also can leave you vulnerable to infections. Immune-suppressing drugs are used to treat a variety of illnesses and to help prevent rejection in people who receive organ transplants.
Diabetes. Having diabetes not only increases your blood sugar but it also impairs your immune system and increases your risk of infections. Your skin is among the many areas of your body that becomes more susceptible to infection. Diabetes also may lead to chronic ulcers of your feet. These ulcers may serve as portals of entry for bacterial infections.
Chickenpox and shingles. These common viral diseases typically result in broken blisters on the skin. These breaks are potential entry points for bacterial invasion and infection.
Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema). The swollen tissue is a possible site for cellulitis if bacteria gain access to the swollen tissue through a crack in your skin.