Editing Cellulitis (section)

===Risk factors===
{{more citations needed | section | date=June 2021}}
The elderly and those with [[immunodeficiency|a weakened immune system]] are especially vulnerable to contracting cellulitis. {{citation needed|date=June 2021}} [[diabetes mellitus|Diabetics]] are more susceptible to cellulitis than the general population because of impairment of the immune system; they are especially prone to cellulitis in the feet, because the disease causes impairment of blood circulation in the legs, leading to diabetic foot or foot ulcers. Poor control of blood glucose levels allows bacteria to grow more rapidly in the affected tissue and facilitates rapid progression if the infection enters the bloodstream. Neural degeneration in diabetes means these ulcers may not be painful, thus often become infected. Those who have had [[poliomyelitis]] are also prone because of circulatory problems, especially in the legs.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}

Immunosuppressive drugs, and other illnesses or infections that weaken the immune system, are also factors that make infection more likely. [[Chickenpox]] and [[shingles]] often result in blisters that break open, providing a gap in the skin through which bacteria can enter. [[Lymphedema]], which causes swelling on the arms and/or legs, can also put an individual at risk.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}
Diseases that affect blood circulation in the legs and feet, such as [[chronic venous insufficiency]] and [[varicose veins]], are also risk factors for cellulitis.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}

Cellulitis is also common among dense populations sharing hygiene facilities and common living quarters, such as military installations, college dormitories, nursing homes, oil platforms, and homeless shelters.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}