Cellulitis

"...itis" is infection and /or inflammation. Inflammation is the body's way of dealing with organs or tissues that are not working well. For example, tennis elbow is 'bursitis', that being an inflamed bursa in the elbow...usually from overuse or a blunt force trauma.

In your case, though, it's an infection, and it's serious. It needs to be treated quickly before it causes widespread sepsis and toxic shock. I think that, since you appear to have a firm diagnosis, your best recourse is to scrupulously follow your physician's prescriptions for regimen and medication/treatment. But, also self-monitor very frequently for any degradation in your condition, for any redness creeping out ward to new healthy tissue, for fever, chills, sweats, changes in stool and urine, etc. At the first whiff that things don't seem to be improving after 48 hours of therapy, call your doctor or go to Emerg.

I have gotten skin infections, for some reason almost exclusively on my fingers, usually near the cuticles. That's a filthy spot on everyone's body anyway, but most don't get them infected, not unless they are cut. Mine happen when the cuticle's outer liner begins to fray and stick up and snag on my clothing or on towels. First I get some redness, then it's sore, and then I call and tell them I need a topical antibiotic for the problem. However, and this is only in a pinch, but it will work if you apply it at least twice in 24 hours, tea tree oil is a great antibiotic. I have used it successfully for the lesions I just described, but also for welts in my scalp, probably from the same bacteria since I'm a hair fluffer and scalp scrubber. The trick with tea tree oil is to get on it right away, just a drop over the area and let it soak in...don't let it get rubbed away or off by going and doing anything for a few minutes. It stinks, although not in a nasty way, just strong. And you don't want it anywhere near your mouth, your nares, or your eyes. Keep it away from secreting tissues like tear ducts.

Thank you for the response. Very informative, very helpful

Just to say I first got cellulitis 12 years ago. I was told to stay vigilant in future and to keep a close eye on any cuts or other possible sources of infection. If redness begins, it's a good idea to draw a line around the redness and immediately seek medical help if it spreads. Cellulitis tends to recur and is potentially very serious. I've gone to local emergency departments on three occasions since thr first event, and I have been given intravenous antibiotics once snd antibiotic injection once. Each time I was put on a week or 10 days of very strong doses of antibiotics.

Thank you Lee. That's a great idea about the line. It seems like my hands and forearms get nicked the most. I'm considering gloves and long sleeves. Thank you for taking time to respond.

Hello @tip67

I see that you just recently joined Mayo Connect. I'm glad that you found this helpful online support group. Regarding the cellulitis, I see that @leemoore13 and @gloaming have already shared with you from their own experiences.

When you received the diagnosis of cellulitis, what type of treatment was given? Is it helping to clear up the swelling and redness?

I was prescribed antibiotics 2 a day and told to ice it and wrap it and keep it elevated. Now that it is going down i think i can see where a bug bite is. Follow up apt. Tomorrow afternoon. I live in Florida, everything is just getting back to normal

I am glad to hear that the swelling is going down and also glad to hear that your area in Florida is getting back to normal.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post again and let me know how your follow up appointment goes?

Yes, i will post the follow up. Thank you to the group, it helps to hear from others who have similar experiences. I also look forward to contributing to the group's.

Hi, so at my doctor appointment he extended the Bactrim and prescribed prednisone to help get rid of the remaining swelling and hardness. Today is my last day of pills and my forearm is almost back to normal size. Thank you everyone for your help and support. Vincent.