If you’ve been diagnosed with both cellulitis and obesity — or your doctor has mentioned you could be at risk — it’s natural to have questions.

Understanding how obesity can increase your risk of cellulitis can help you feel more in control. With the right information, you can make better choices. Keep reading to learn how these conditions are linked — and what you can do to take care of yourself.

What Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. It’s usually caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in some cases. These bacteria are often found on the skin or in the nose, even in healthy people. They don’t usually cause harm unless they enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a sore, abscess, ulcer, or wound

Once the bacteria are under the skin, the affected area can become swollen, discolored, and warm to the touch. If a soft tissue infection like cellulitis isn’t treated, it can lead to more serious problems, including fever or an infection that spreads deeper into your tissues and may require hospitalization. Fortunately, most cases respond well to antibiotics when caught early.

What’s the Relationship Between Obesity and Cellulitis?

Research shows that people living with obesity have a higher chance of developing cellulitis. One review of nine studies found that people with obesity were significantly more likely to experience cellulitis than those without obesity.

Another study found that obesity may be a cause of cellulitis, along with other skin conditions. The researchers noted that cellulitis may be linked to two conditions that often occur alongside obesity: type 2 diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (a condition where blood vessels outside your heart and brain become narrowed or blocked). While these connections are well documented, researchers still need to better understand exactly what increases a person’s risk of developing cellulitis.

While obesity is linked to a higher risk of cellulitis, the exact reasons aren’t fully understood. However, several contributing factors are suspected.

Carrying extra fatty tissue on your body can make it harder for your immune system to work effectively. This may make it harder for your body to fight off the bacteria that cause cellulitis.

In addition, people diagnosed with obesity often have skin folds, which can create a warm, moist environment that promotes bacterial growth and skin irritation, increasing the likelihood of skin infections.

Another factor is the difference in the types and amounts of bacteria found on the skin of people with obesity.

Finally, people living with obesity often have lymphatic systems that don’t work as efficiently as they should. The lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, plays a key role in supporting the immune response and fighting infections. Reduced efficiency may contribute to the increased risk of cellulitis that seems to come with obesity.

In particular, the impaired lymphatic flow can also lead to a condition called lymphedema — a type of swelling that happens when lymphatic fluid builds up in tissues. Lymphedema is especially common in people with severe obesity, also called class 3 obesity.

Lymphedema also raises your chances of developing cellulitis, as it creates an environment where infections can more easily take hold and spread.

Other Conditions Related to Obesity and Cellulitis

As mentioned above, other health conditions linked to obesity may also contribute to cellulitis.

One of the most significant is type 2 diabetes. This condition may increase the risk of cellulitis in a couple of ways.

First, diabetes can cause nerve damage that can lead loss of some or all sensation in your feet and lower legs. When this happens, cuts, wounds or even infections may go unnoticed or untreated until it’s too late, allowing bacteria to spread.

Second, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels associated with diabetes can weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system can make it harder for the body to fight off infections like cellulitis.

Another condition that connects obesity and cellulitis is peripheral vascular disease. This happens when fatty deposits build up in the blood vessels of the legs. This reduces blood flow to your legs and feet. Poor circulation can damage the skin and nerves. This damage makes you more likely to develop cellulitis.

What Is the Most Likely Cause of Cellulitis in People with Obesity?

While several factors linked to obesity may raise the risk of cellulitis, it’s difficult to pinpoint one single cause. In the end, cellulitis is caused by a bacterial infection. What researchers do know is that people with obesity appear to be more likely to have these infections. Fortunately, cellulitis can be treated effectively with appropriate medical care.

How To Reduce the Risk for Cellulitis Related to Obesity

There are several practical steps you can take to manage your risk of cellulitis if you are living with obesity.

Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing

Choose clothing that doesn’t press tightly against your skin or create new folds. Comfortable, breathable clothing can help protect your skin and lower your risk of skin irritation or infection. In some situations, such as gardening or cleaning, gloves may help protect your hands from cuts or damage — especially if you're prone to cellulitis.

Care for Cuts and Scratches Right Away

If you get a small wound, clean it immediately. Wash the area thoroughly, apply disinfectant, and cover it with a clean, sterile bandage. Keep an eye on how it heals. If it doesn’t improve or begins to worsen, see a healthcare provider.

Check for Injuries You Might Not Feel

If you have reduced sensation in some parts of your body — such as your feet — make it a habit to check those areas daily. Look for any cuts, sores, or signs of infection. Early detection is key to preventing cellulitis.

Keep Skin Clean and Dry, Especially in Folds

Wash your skin regularly and dry thoroughly, especially after sweating or bathing. Pay close attention to skin folds, where moisture and bacteria tend to collect. Keeping these areas dry can reduce the risk of infection.

Avoid Habits That Weaken Your Immune System

Smoking and heavy alcohol use can lower your body’s ability to fight infections like cellulitis. Cutting back — or quitting — can help support your immune system. No amount of smoking or excessive drinking is considered safe, particularly if you’re managing a condition that increases your infection risk.

Does Losing Weight Help Cellulitis?

Losing weight won’t treat an active cellulitis infection — you’ll need antibiotics or other medical care for that. But making changes that lead to weight loss, like improving your nutrition and increasing physical activity, may help lower your chances of getting cellulitis again.

These changes can reduce skin folds where bacteria thrive, improve circulation, and support your immune system — all of which help protect against future infections. If cellulitis has been a recurring issue, ask your doctor whether a weight management plan could be part of your long-term strategy.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re showing signs of the condition, get medical care right away. Your doctor can help you find the right antibiotic treatment for your needs. They can also monitor the affected skin to make sure the infection clears up and doesn’t return.

For longer-term concerns, including repeated infections, your doctor or a dermatology provider can help you create a personalized plan to lower your risk and get support for follow-through.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam,members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you dealt with cellulitis related to obesity? What was that like for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.