Patient/caregiver was educated on prevention and control of cellulitis as follows: Individuals with any active wounds, surgical incisions, cuts, burns, or scrapings on the surface of skin are at increased risk for cellulitis development. Maintaining a close watch for signs and symptoms of cellulitis such as, pain, fever, swelling, redness & warmth, and oozing of any foul- smelling pus from the involved skin site can help early intervention and prevent development of complications. Do not [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of cellulitis as follows: Infection with accumulation of pus at the affected skin site can result in further swelling and small fluid-filled blisters, which can burst open leaking fluid, leaving sore skin. These open sites with sore skin can be secondarily infected with bacteria again, thus leading to progression of cellulitis. If the infection were not controlled, the infecting agent (bacteria/fungi) from the site of cellulitis can enter the deeper [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on complications of cellulitis as follows: Infection of skin with bacteria or fungi can result in inflammation at the involved site. As a response to inflammation, chemicals will be released at the affected skin site. The inflammatory chemicals released sensitize the skin and cause local elevation of temperature, resulting in pain and tenderness with warmth & redness of the affected area of skin. Depending on the severity of infection, individuals can as [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on risk factors for cellulitis as follows: Smoking: Both active and passive smoking can reduce the ability of white blood cells to fight infections, compromise the overall immunity, and contribute to increased risk for cellulitis. Uncontrolled diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugars in diabetic individuals can limit white blood cell synthesis and reduce the ability of immune system to fight infections, thus increasing risk for cellulitis. Chronic hyperglycemia also shuts down the blood [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on risk factors for cellulitis as follows: Malnutrition: Good nutrition plays an essential role with maintaining a strong immunity. Also, balanced nutrition is very important for healing of damaged and injured tissues. Malnourished individuals present with poor immune status and poor wound healing abilities, which can increase their risk for cellulitis significantly. Prolonged hospitalization: Individuals with history of prolonged bedrest and hospitalization suffer immunodeficiency, which can increase the risk for cellulitis significantly. [...]