Primary prevention

Proper care of ulcerations or other breaks in the skin, optimizing care of chronic edematous conditions, and treating tinea pedis may prevent cellulitis.

Secondary prevention

Edema management; care of dry skin, ulcers, and lacerations; and treatment of tinea pedis are all ways of preventing subsequent episodes of cellulitis. Maintaining a healthy body mass index may be indicated for patients presenting with cellulitis. Studies have shown a significant association between cellulitis and obesity.[30]

Antibiotic prophylaxis may be useful in preventing recurrent cellulitis. Prophylactic antibiotics, such as oral penicillin or erythromycin, should be considered in patients who have 3 to 4 episodes of cellulitis per year despite attempts to treat or control predisposing factors. This program should be continued so long as the predisposing factors persist.[13]

In patients with chronic edema and cellulitis, compression therapy may help reduce recurrence.[91]

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