Preventing endocarditis

If you have an increased risk of developing endocarditis, it's important to limit your exposure to any infection that could trigger it.

The same is true if you've previously been affected by endocarditis,as the condition can often reoccur in certain people.

Practise good oral hygiene

If you're at increased risk of developing endocarditis, it's important that you practise good oral and dental hygiene.

Don't let Abscess and gum disease go untreated.

You should visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure you maintain good oral health and to minimise the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream through your mouth.

It's also very important to wash any cuts or grazes carefully as soon as you notice them to prevent them becoming infected.

Contact your GP for advice if you develop the symptoms of a skin infection (see below). Your GP may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution. Symptoms of a skin infection include:

• redness and inflammation (swelling) of the affected area of skin
• the skin feels tender and warm to the touch
• a discharge of pus or fluid from the affected area of skin

A skin infection may also make you feel generally unwell, leading to symptoms such as:

• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• feeling sick
• shivering
• chills

You should also avoid any cosmetic procedure that involves breaking the skin, such as body piercing and tattooing.

Each time antibiotics are used, the chances that bacteria will become resistant to them are increased.