@cindylb, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. This is a gathering place of individuals who are trying their best to be good consumers of their own health care. These days, we really have to do our homework. Doctors are so busy, nurses, too, and often, there is miscommunication. So it is helpful to have a place to come where we can ask questions and get things sorted out in between medical appointments .

I am not a medical practitioner in any sense of the word. But our Director, @Colleen Young mentioned to me that you were going through a really tough time with Cellutis. She knows all about what both my daughter and my husband have been through with Cellulitis. Both are doing quite well, now. I am a Volunteer Mentor here at Mayo Clinic Connect. Mostly I hang out over at the Autism site, or at the Depression sites. Gratitude and Chronic Illness . All are valuable to me.

You did not mention Diabetes in your story. My husband and daughter both are Diabetic, and take strong precautions whenever they get a scratch or a cut. Their ability to heal is compromised by the excess sugar in their blood. My daughter has a difficult time keeping her blood sugar under control. So does my husband. I am Type Two Diabetic, and I am on a strict low carb diet. Yet, I still do not heal as quickly or as well.

My daughter has Lymphedema, primarily in both legs. Her recent bout with Cellulitis landed her in the hospital for a week, hooked up to IV antibiotics. Antibiotics in pill form had ceased to be effective. Her leg looked like it was about to be Gangrenous. Thank God her PCP sent her to the ER with orders to be admitted. She is doing just fine now.

My husband had cellulitis in both legs, several Thanksgivings ago. He had to have surgery to take care of it. The tiniest scratch or mark can send him into a severe case of infection. While you do not have Diabetes, the fact that you have Lymphedema puts you at a somewhat greater risk of infection. So you will need to be proactive in your routine of self care. Cold weather can cause some folks to have cracked skin. Chapstick, body and hand lotions will help to keep skin smooth and clear. If you have even the tiniest scratch, always make sure you keep it clean and covered with antibiotic ointment. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the elements.

Needless to say, if you suspect an area of skin is not healing as it should, do not hesitate to call your PCP. You may avoid another hospitalization if your wound is caught in time.

I am so sorry you have had to go through with this serious condition and all it entails. But you are not alone. Many other folks have this and although it is not easy, there is strength in numbers. We are here for you, and happy to lend an ear, any time. As we say often over at the Autism site, "We are better together."

Please let us know how you are getting along. We can learn from one another, and help each other.

Mamacita