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Cellulitis

Posted , 3 users are following.

jeanna36223
jeanna36223

I'm on day 4 of antibiotics. The area is itchy, at this point. Is that normal? I'm worried.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • glenn06752
    glenn06752 jeanna36223

    Posted

    Hi Jeanna - I think it's perfectly normal for the area to be itchy. I recall all my episodes involved a burning, hot, itchy presentation. The itching will eventually stop. What you must not do, is scratch it and cause more problems. I use a good cream sold in mostly all stores, called, Eucerin. Kind of expensive at almost 12 bucks a bottle but well worth it.

    I wish you luck and hope you recover quickly.

    • jeanna36223
      jeanna36223 glenn06752

      Posted

      Oh, thank you so much! I bought some Allegra cream. Seems to sort of work. I've had cellulitis once before and I don't remember it itching. Which is why I was worried. But this time it's in a bit of a tricky spot. So I think the healing may be a little different. You put my mind at ease. So thank you!!!!
  • glenn06752
    glenn06752 jeanna36223

    Posted

    You're welcome, Jeanna . . .

    I forgot to mention that following all my bouts with cellulitis, (left and right leg) blisters formed as part of the healing process and those too, were very itchy. 

    The problem being, the skin being stretched with the swelling and the inflammation and infection of the skin being burnt, similar to a sunburn.  Not sure if your situation involves the legs, but after day 1, I was told I could cover the legs and wear my garments to keep the lymphedema under control. Quite honestly, my last bout was so miserable that I couldn't put anything on my leg for a month. I went to a lymphedema specialist in the area (they are very scarce) and she taught me some tricks that helped me immensely. Besides the leg garments I wear every day, I purchased night gear that I wear to bed on each leg. You can check it out on google. It's called a SOLARIS TRIBUTE. Very, very expensive, but I was lucky my insurance covered mostly all durable medical supplies. Again, I'm only guessing your cellulitis is part of lymphedema and I'm assuming your leg(s) are the body parts affected.

    Again, I wish you the best!

    Glenn

    • jeanna36223
      jeanna36223 glenn06752

      Posted

      Mine is located under what I call my "fat shelf" lol basically on my abdomen, under my fat roll. I caught it at day 2. So, the infection wasn't terrible. I went to the ER, had it lanced, received a shot of antibiotics and am now on 2 different antibiotics. My skin is extremely sensitive. So, I think between changing my dressing approximately 4 or 5 times a day and using antiseptic soap, it really irritated the skin. A rash has formed and so I went to urgent care today to make sure it was okay. The actual "cyst" like formation has shrunk. And the redness was lessening. Until I started, I presume, washing it too often, ripping the tape off several times and using soap that was too harsh. Now it's red again. I'm a chronic worrier, as well. Just a wreck I suppose.
  • glenn06752
    glenn06752 jeanna36223

    Posted

    oh, ok... got it... Sorry I presumed you were dealing with leg issues.

    You're not alone being a worry-wart. We all worry about our conditions and imagine only the worst

    Keep the area clean just like you're doing and I too, would use a good cream. I think you'll be ok despite that being such an ultra sensitive area.

    • jeanna36223
      jeanna36223 glenn06752

      Posted

      Yeah. I realize most people get it on a limb. Both times I've gotten it, have been on my stomach. For whatever reason.
    • jeanna36223
      jeanna36223 glenn06752

      Posted

      Does yours ever get an itchy rash? I'm trying to figure out what the rash is from? Possibly harsh soap? Ugh. Worry-wort alert. Help?
    • Zulu_Man
      Zulu_Man jeanna36223

      Posted

      Hi Jeanna,

      When I had it, it looked quite red and was warm to the touch. Definitely try not to scratch as that will just irritate it. Also, remember oral antibiotics take time to kick and do their work. It's important to complete the course. If you are still struggling then try another antibiotic or ask for an intravenous one - these can act faster. Hope you get well soon.

    • jeanna36223
      jeanna36223 Zulu_Man

      Posted

      Turns out I'm allergic to the sulfa meds they had me on. Stopped taking them and the rash disappeared! I'm almost completely healed, at this point. Thank god!
  • Zulu_Man
    Zulu_Man jeanna36223

    Posted

    That's good to hear! I was allergic to my intravenous one and came out in little perfect red spots like someone got a felt tip pen
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