Learn why you keep getting cellulitis

Phil Mitchell MD, MS
Medically reviewed by Phil Mitchell MD, MS

Why do I keep getting cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the skin that’s treatable with antibiotics. But even with proper treatment, some people keep getting cellulitis. Usually, repeated cellulitis infections result from frequent skin injuries, chronic health conditions or circulation problems, such as:

  • Athlete’s foot
  • Cuts, scrapes or insect bites
  • Diabetes
  • Eczema or dry, cracked skin
  • Heart disease
  • Impetigo (type of skin infection)
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Lymphedema
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

If you keep getting cellulitis, talk with your provider. Together, you can treat the underlying cause and prevent the infection from coming back.