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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffSeveral factors can place you at greater risk of developing cellulitis:
- Known injury. Any cut, fracture, burn or even a scrape increases your risk of cellulitis because the injury gives bacteria an entry point.
- Weakened immune system. Conditions that weaken your immune system leave you more susceptible to infections, such as cellulitis. Conditions that can weaken your immune system include diabetes, chronic leukemias, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney disease, liver disease and circulation disorders. The use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, also can weaken your immune system.
- Skin conditions. Certain skin disorders, such as eczema, athlete's foot, chickenpox and shingles, cause breaks in the skin and increase your risk of cellulitis.
- Chronic swelling of your arms or legs (lymphedema). Swollen tissue may crack, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection.
- History of cellulitis. People who previously have had cellulitis, especially of the lower leg, may be more prone to develop it again.
- Intravenous drug use. People who inject illegal drugs have a higher risk of developing cellulitis.
- Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases your risk not only of developing cellulitis but also of having recurring episodes.
References
- Cellulitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec10/ch119/ch119b.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2011.
- Baddour LM. Cellulitis and erysipelas. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 10, 2011.
- Stevens DL. Infections of the skin, muscles, and soft tissues. In: Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed Nov. 10, 2011.
- Gunderson CG. Cellulitis: Definition, etiology and clinical features. The American Journal of Medicine. In press. Accessed Nov. 10, 2011.
- Kilburn SA, et al. Interventions for cellulites and erysipelas (review). The Cochrane Collaboration. 2010;6.
- Bailey E, et al. Cellulitis: Diagnosis and management. Dermatologic Therapy. 2011;24:229.
- Eron LJ. In the clinic: Cellulitis and soft tissue infections. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2009;150:1.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 16, 2011.
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