Cellulitis
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,658
Likes: 152
From: Brisbane, Qld, Australia
Cellulitis
I have had a dose of cellulitis infect my left leg from just below the knee to below the ankle joint.
Initially I had a fever, chills and shivers. Associated with this my leg was swollen and very painful to the touch on the shin and ankle. The next day a rash formed on the inside of my calf muscle.
GP prescribed Claithromycin for 7 days. The rash responded but the shin and ankle remained painful and swollen.
Fluid and anti-inflammatory for the next 7 days to reduce the inflammation and swelling.
I present to local hospital and was admitted overnight for 4 lots of IV Flucox.
Pain in shin and around the ankle decreased but a area about 30mmx30mm around the ankle remains.
Discharged with seven days of Cephalexin. The area about 30mmx30mm around the ankle remains.
Visited Satellite hospital. Doctor there continued with Cephalexin.
Now on day 3 of a 5 day course of Cephalexin with a follow up with local GP on day 3 (today)..
Saw local GP who suggested finish the Cephalexin with a view to change the antibiotics in two days.
No skin breaks and doctors are reluctant to penetrate the skin to take a biopsy.
I have a 10 day trip starting in five days.
Keeping my leg raised and having daily massages to reduce the swelling
Any medical suggestions as to the type of antibiotics?
Thanks
Initially I had a fever, chills and shivers. Associated with this my leg was swollen and very painful to the touch on the shin and ankle. The next day a rash formed on the inside of my calf muscle.
GP prescribed Claithromycin for 7 days. The rash responded but the shin and ankle remained painful and swollen.
Fluid and anti-inflammatory for the next 7 days to reduce the inflammation and swelling.
I present to local hospital and was admitted overnight for 4 lots of IV Flucox.
Pain in shin and around the ankle decreased but a area about 30mmx30mm around the ankle remains.
Discharged with seven days of Cephalexin. The area about 30mmx30mm around the ankle remains.
Visited Satellite hospital. Doctor there continued with Cephalexin.
Now on day 3 of a 5 day course of Cephalexin with a follow up with local GP on day 3 (today)..
Saw local GP who suggested finish the Cephalexin with a view to change the antibiotics in two days.
No skin breaks and doctors are reluctant to penetrate the skin to take a biopsy.
I have a 10 day trip starting in five days.
Keeping my leg raised and having daily massages to reduce the swelling
Any medical suggestions as to the type of antibiotics?
Thanks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 842
Likes: 104
From: Kiwiland
Unless the leg is oozing (when the fluid can be sent off) you should have blood cultures - blood is taken and then any bacteria in it grown and identified so we know what antibiotics to give you. I assume someone has properly looked at the leg to exclude the possibility that this is an insect bite that has become infected.....
If the leg remains swollen when the skin appears normal I would also consider an ultrasound to check there isnt a deep vein thrombosis. Also check for diabetes and blood supply to the leg.
Discolouration can be persistent so if the skin is intact and you become symptom free you can be patient.
If the leg remains swollen when the skin appears normal I would also consider an ultrasound to check there isnt a deep vein thrombosis. Also check for diabetes and blood supply to the leg.
Discolouration can be persistent so if the skin is intact and you become symptom free you can be patient.
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 4
From: Charlotte
I only recently learned that cellulitis can actually be dangerous if not treated properly. It’s a skin and subcutaneous tissue infection that can cause serious complications if it spreads or isn't treated appropriately. However, with the right medical approach, like in your case (antibiotics, monitoring), most people recover without issues.
The real danger is that without proper treatment, cellulitis can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis or damage to deeper tissues. That's why it’s important not to ignore symptoms and to follow the doctor's recommendations.
As for your situation, it seems the doctors are approaching the treatment correctly by monitoring the condition and prescribing antibiotics. However, if the pain and swelling don't subside, it would be worth seeking further consultation or additional tests to rule out other issues, such as venous problems.
The real danger is that without proper treatment, cellulitis can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis or damage to deeper tissues. That's why it’s important not to ignore symptoms and to follow the doctor's recommendations.
As for your situation, it seems the doctors are approaching the treatment correctly by monitoring the condition and prescribing antibiotics. However, if the pain and swelling don't subside, it would be worth seeking further consultation or additional tests to rule out other issues, such as venous problems.
