What are the risk factors for cellulitis?

A cut, crack, bite, graze, ulcer, surgical wound, or puncture can provide an entry point for bacteria. Athlete's foot may split the skin between the toes, allowing germs to pass through unnoticed. Chronic swelling can stretch skin and make small breaks harder to heal.

Type 2 diabetes and other conditions that affect circulation, sensation, immunity, or wound healing can make skin infections more difficult to prevent or recognise early. Previous cellulitis can also leave an area prone to further episodes, particularly when swelling or a skin break persists.

Clean minor cuts with clean running water, protect them with a suitable dressing, and check feet and skin regularly if sensation is reduced. Treat athlete's foot with professional guidance and keep the spaces between toes dry. Moisturise very dry, cracked skin while avoiding cream between the toes if it stays damp.

Do not ignore a wound that is becoming more painful, warm, swollen, or red. If you have diabetes, ask your care team how often to inspect your feet and what to do about a new blister, crack, or ulcer.

Arrange same-day medical assessment for spreading redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, pus, fever, or chills. Emergency help is needed for confusion, faintness, severe weakness, rapidly worsening symptoms, or redness near the eye. Marking the edge of redness can help show a clinician whether it is spreading, but must not delay care.

Ask whether a skin break or athlete's foot is contributing, how to care for the affected area, how diabetes changes wound monitoring, and which symptoms should trigger urgent review.