Cellulitis is a skin infection that can affect both the surface and deeper layers of skin. Although mild cases are usually easily treated when caught early and result in complete recovery, cellulitis has the potential to turn life-threatening quickly. When bacteria enter through a break in the skin, commonly a cut, scrape, puncture wound, animal bite (human or otherwise) or burn, cellulitis can result. Cellulitis also can occur if a break in the skin is exposed to contaminated water, for example, if an injury is sustained while swimming in a river or lake, or swimming with an exposed wound -- even a small one.

Although completely preventing cellulitis is not possible, here are some ways to reduce or eliminate many risk factors associated with developing cellulitis:

1. Keep Wounds Clean
This is of paramount importance. Being lax or slow to cleanse and dress even a tiny cut may have great consequences. Take care of cuts by gently washing the wound with clean water. Apply antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage. This reduces the chance of infection by providing a protective barrier. Change dressings frequently.

2. Don't Walk Barefoot Outdoors
Avoid any activity that tears the surface of skin, whether stepping on an unnoticed pebble or shards of glass from a broken bottle. Wear shoes outdoors and protect feet as much as possible. Keeping floors at home well-swept is another safeguard. During activities where scratches are a possibility, for example when gardening, wear shirts and pants that fully cover arms and legs.

3. Control Diabetes
High blood glucose levels feed infections and can increase their severity. The effects of diabetes, which include slow wound healing, make sufferers more susceptible to developing cellulitis. Poor circulation also plays a role in making conditions more favorable to cellulitis.

4. Don't Use Intravenous Drugs
All other health dangers aside, not cleaning needles regularly can cause soft-tissue infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reusing syringes or injecting drugs intramuscularly also raises the risk of cellulitis, even when needles aren't shared.