Cellulitis risk factors

, Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Cellulitis is the result of activation of the body's inflammatory response mechanisms to an infection. When the immune system cannot respond adequately, it can spread systemically through the blood stream.

Risk factors
The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to contracting cellulitis. Diabetics are more susceptible to cellulitis than the general population because of impairment of the immune system; they are especially prone to cellulitis in the feet because their disease causes impairment of blood circulation in their legs leading to their having foot ulcers that commonly become infected. Cellulitis is also a common complication of obesity.

Immunosuppressive drugs, HIV, and other illnesses or infections that weaken the immune system are also factors that make infection more likely. In addition, chickenpox and shingles often result in blisters which break, providing a gap in the skin through which bacteria can enter. Lymphedema, which causes swelling on the arms and/or legs, can also put an individual at risk.

Diseases that affect blood circulation in the legs and feet, such as chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, are also risk factors for cellulitis.

Cellulitis is also extremely prevalent amongst dense populations sharing hygiene facilities and common living quarters. Military installations which require communal showers provide such an environment, as it is prevalent among many recruits going through boot camp.

People who previously have had cellulitis are at risk of another flare up of the same.