Cellulitis is a skin disease that is usually caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus group of bacteria. This skin infection usually attacks the deeper skin layers namely the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This condition causes redness, itching, swelling and pain on the affected skin portions. These symptoms cause a lot of discomfort to a person. Hence, many people are asking if it is indeed possible to contract cellulitis twice or more in their life. The discomfort and hassles of the disease is too much that people want to be sure that they do not get this condition again.
Can cellulitis occur twice in a person?
Cellulitis infection can actually happen twice, thrice or more in a person. Being infected by a bacteria-causing cellulitis does not render you immune from future infections. The most common cause of cellulitis is the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus group. However, these are not the only types of bacteria causing the said infection. Many other bacteria such as the Pseudomonas aeruginosa could also be the cause of cellulitis. Recurrent cellulitis could happen because you may be infected by one of the many types of bacteria that may cause cellulitis.
Why does some cellulitis become recurrent?
Recurring cellulitis is possible because of many factors. Among these factors are:
1. Immunocompromised people – People with weak immune systems could have cellulitis re-infection. Normally, the immune system protects us bacteria and other types of microorganisms. However, people who are immunocompromised such as those with AIDS are prone to getting the infection again. Their body defenses are too weak to ward off the infection.
2. Diabetics – They are prone to getting cuts and wound that go unnoticed, especially on the foot part. Some diabetics may also have decreased pain sensation so skin breaks and infections proliferate without getting prompt treatment. These skin breaks become easy entry points for disease causing organisms, especially those causing cellulitis.
3. Those with multiple disease states – When cellulitis is combined with other disease conditions, the body becomes overwhelmed with trying to fight the bacteria. Hence, people with other diseases could be prone to getting cellulitis again.
