
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Cellulitis primary prevention
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Good hygiene (handwashing, nail trimming) and good wound care lower the risk of cellulitis. Any wounds should be cleaned and dressed appropriately. Changing bandages daily or when they become wet or dirty will reduce the risk of contracting cellulitis. Patients with comorbid such as diabetes or immunosuppressed patients are advised to take care and cover their extremities with socks or gloves to avoid incidental scratches which could be a potential entry point for microorganisms. Medical advice should be sought for any wounds which are deep, dirty or if there is any concern about retained foreign bodies. Patient education strategies involve naming their condition and promoting hygiene along with practices to help reduce recurrence.
Primary Prevention
Primary Prevention
Good hygiene (handwashing, nail trimming) and good wound care lower the risk of cellulitis. Any wounds should be cleaned and dressed appropriately. Changing bandages daily or when they become wet or dirty will reduce the risk of contracting cellulitis. Patients with comorbid such as diabetes or immunosuppressed patients are advised to take care and cover their extremities with socks or gloves to avoid incidental scratches which could be a potential entry point for microorganisms. Medical advice should be sought for any wounds which are deep, dirty or if there is any concern about retained foreign bodies. Patient education strategies involve naming their condition and promoting hygiene along with practices to help reduce recurrence. [1]
References
References
- ↑ Teasdale E, Lalonde A, Muller I, Chalmers J, Smart P, Hooper J; et al. (2019). “Patients’ understanding of cellulitis and their information needs: a mixed-methods study in primary and secondary care”. Br J Gen Pract. 69 (681): e279–e286. doi:10.3399/bjgp19X701873. PMC 6428464. PMID 30858335.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
