Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can become potentially serious if left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic. With skin that is swollen, hot and tender, physical activity can be difficult with cellulitis. There are several treatments for cellulitis, but for someone who wants to be physically active, specific exercises can be used to reduce the irritation to the skin. With the severity of cellulitis, consult your doctor before performing any exercises.
Identification
Cellulitis can be identified with red, swollen areas on the skin that are warm and tender. The infected areas can occur anywhere on the body, including the legs, face or arms. As a result, the selection of exercises will vary based on the severity and individual location of the infection. If cellulitis spreads to other areas, it may result in swollen glands, fever and chills.
Types
Exercises for cellulitis are broken down into three major areas -- strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises. Every type of exercise is chosen to limit the amount of irritation to the infected area. Strength training can incorporate dumbbells, bodyweight exercises or resistance bands for single-joint exercises. Cardio can include walking, swimming or biking and flexibility exercises, such as various stretches.
Features
Start by performing the exercises for about 30 minutes at least two to three times weekly. Gradually increase the amount of time spent performing exercises based on the irritation to the skin and current fitness level. Mayo Clinic recommends about 2.5 hours spent on cardio, two days per week for strength training and about five to 10 minutes spent stretching after cardio or strength training exercises. Make adjustments to the exercises immediately if excessive irritation occurs.
Prevention/Solution
With the pain, tenderness and swelling already felt with cellulitis, exercises should not cause additional pain. To prevent cellulitis from increasing, the Mayo Clinic provides numerous recommendations that can be performed before and after exercise. Inspect your feet for additional signs of injury or infections and protect the hands and feet by wearing footwear and gloves during a workout. Moisturize the skin regularly to prevent cracking and treat superficial skin infections immediately.
Considerations
If the exercises for cellulitis cause pain or the infected areas increase, seek medical treatment immediately. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat cellulitis. If you are taking any prescriptions, consult the doctor about any workout or exercise contraindications. Cellulitis that is left untreated can be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic.
