Cellulitis Prevention

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection that causes areas of the skin to turn red, swell up and become tender to the touch. Because cellulitis can get in the bloodstream and lymph nodes, the infection has the ability to spread quickly through the body, and if left untreated, can become life-threatening. Because the bacteria enters through a crack or cut in the skin, there are certain things you can do to prevent it.

Avoid Skin Trauma

Obviously, cutting yourself is not always something you can prevent. But, because the bacteria that causes cellulitis gets in your body through this method, the best way to prevent it is to not get cut.

Washing

If you do get a cut, there are other bacteria, as well as cellulitis, that can cause infection. To keep out bacteria, wash your wound daily with warm, soapy water.

Antibiotics

Antibiotic creams and ointments can help prevent bacteria from getting in your wound. Using a single or double antibiotic ointment will help keep the wound clean and prevent infection.

Bandages

One of the best ways to keep bacteria out of a cut is to apply a bandage to the area and change the dressing regularly. Bandages should be changed at least daily. Change more often if the bandage gets wet or dirty.

Skin Care

Cellulitis doesn’t need a cut to get in the body. Dry, cracked skin can also allow the bacteria a point of entry. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to use a daily moisturizer to keep your skin soft and free of cracks. Some spider bites can also lead to infection.