Prevention

• It is very important to keep your skin clean by practicing good personal hygiene.

• If you notice pain or discomfort from an area of the skin, check to see what it looks like. If it appears inflamed and progresses from one day to the next, you will most likely need treatment.
  
  

• Avoid situations that may injure your skin, especially if you have swelling from circulatory problems.
  
  
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes or slippers with loose-fitting cotton socks. Avoid walking barefoot in areas where you do not have a good idea about what you are walking on, for example, in garages, on a littered beach, or in the woods.
  
  
• If you do injure your skin, wash the area with soap and water and check to make sure that the injury is getting better over the next several days.
  
  
• Certain injuries may be at greater risk for infection than others. You may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection or have other preventive care. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have injuries such as these:
  
  
  • Animal or human bites
    
    
  • Puncture injuries deeper than a half-inch, such as stepping on a nail
    
    
  • Crushed tissue that bleeds, burns that blister, frostbite, or deep injuries with dirt in them
    
    
  • Injuries in contact with sea water
    
    
• Find out if you have diabetes or other significant medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. These conditions may be present without symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions for management of these conditions.
  
  
• Talk to your doctor if you have swelling in your limbs that does not go away.

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Cellulitis - Symptoms Experienced

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