Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin. According to MayoClinic.com, cellulitis can occur anywhere on the body, but the skin on the legs is most commonly affected due to poorer blood circulation in the lower extremities. Symptoms of cellulitis include an area of skin that is reddened, warm to touch, swollen and tender or painful. A fever may or may not be present in persons with cellulitis. Treatment of cellulitis includes antibiotic therapy. Certain conditions and circumstances can heighten cellulitis risks.
Impaired Immune System
Persons with impaired immune systems are at a higher risk for developing infections like cellulitis, according to MayoClinic.com. When the immune system is weakened, the body is more susceptible to contracting infection from a multitude of sources. Some conditions that weaken the immune system include diabetes, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, chronic kidney or liver disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Medications such as corticosteroids may also weaken the immune system.
Prior Skin Condition
MayoClinic.com reports that person with underlying skin disorders are more likely to develop cellulitis. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis may leave small tears or breaks in the skin placing the skin at a higher risk of developing infection. Other conditions such as athlete's foot, chickenpox, and shingles are also possibly sources of infections that may lead to cellulitis.
Recent Surgery or Skin Injury
Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports that any recent surgery leaves the skin open to the possibility of developing an infection. Surgical wounds that become infected may lead to cellulitis of the wound and the skin around the wound. Other skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, punctures or burns are likely sources of infections that can lead to cellulitis. Areas of skin that become swollen with fluid are at an especially high risk for developing cellulitis.
