Cellulitis

[Eve]

Got a big patch of it on my leg about 5 inches x 1.5-2 inches - started as what felt like an itchy bite.

I've got antibiotics and had it drawn round but would there be any benefit to putting anything like antiseptic cream on it or will it have no real use if in the skin and is it better to leave it dry and to air?

Nearly had to tie my hands behind my back earlier as it has been irritating a lot, would something like Eurax lotion be ok to put on it and be of any benefit?

I remember having some on my foot a few years ago and it was a beggar to shift.

Thanks for any help.

[flump1]

Hi Eve, that is most horrid , I hope it goes down soon. I would use ice if at all possible to help with irritation/ heat or calamine lotion. x

[Retrochic]

Hi Eve. I have a small patch on my ankle where I was bitten in the garden by a bug. Oh I know that feeling -you want to scratch your skin off. What I've been doing is massaging a small amount (one drop) of Tea-tree oil into the area after my shower and it has helped with the itching and totally got rid of the red patch.

[Baldric]

Had a patch a while back, Doc prescribed Antibiotics and FUCIBET Cream

[Sqad]

Eve....no big deal....Eurax, Ice, hydrocortisone 1% should ease the itching.

Can't see that antiseptic cream would be much use.

[Eve]

Thanks for all the ideas :) It's driving me mad, especially having it covered for work and trying to sleep last night. It's really hot so might try something nice and cooling under a light dressing I can change.

Tea tree oil sounds great if it helps it heal.

Thankfully it doesn't seem to have spread much more from where they drew around it so hoping it will stay that way.

[Eve]

Hi Sqad, you popped in there before I posted. I had some Eurax cream so will see if it's still in date, maybe stick it in the fridge so it's nice and cool if so and get some ice in something over it.

Will go to the chemist tomorrow, I just needed to get home and for an early night tonight as didn't get much sleep last night and have a banging headache on and off, my bed is calling me :)

[Retrochic]

Eve if you can get some witch hazel keep a couple of pads soaked in it in the fridge. Its very cooling and astringent without being harsh. it gives you that 'oh yes! feeling lol!

[Eve]

Ahhh, I could definitely do with one of them :) Thank you :)

[Gizmonster]

Ooooh ... Cellulitis - that brings back a painful memory.
Approx 20 years ago, I had the misfortune of having this, somewhere around my shin. I remember it being extremely painful - I had to elevate my leg to help alleviate the pain.
I was given a course of antibiotics, these had no effect. The rash got worse and I was admitted to hospital and put on a drip for 10 days. Thankfully the drip worked and I was discharged from the hospital. Whilst I was in there, 2 other people were admitted to the same ward as me, with cellulitis. The first had it on his hand and had to have the "boil" lanced as it had gone too far and the 2nd had it on his foot and had to have his toe amputated as that had gone even further.
Anyway, I'm not trying to scare you; these were rare cases - antibiotics usually work .... I feel your pain and I hope you recover quickly :)

[Eve]

Glad you got yours sorted, it is painful! I've booked some time off so got some time to rest and try and keep my leg up to see if it helps, it did eventually with my foot when I had it there.

It doesn't seem as hot as it was which I'm hoping it a good sign :)

[rsvp]

I had a massive reaction to a wasp sting -enormous swelling - ended up at the Doc's as no chemist would treat it. What did help a lot during the week I was dithering about making an appointment was soaking my arm in a large bowl of water and porridge oats. Honestly, it really really helped - I use it for any skin irritant - it works for me.

[mazie]

what dosage of antibiotics are you on Eve?

[Eve]

Thanks for that :)

Flucloxicillin, 500mg 4 x a day for a week Mazie.

[mazie]

That's what I had for the same thing last year, it worked really well and cleared up fairly quickly. Hope this it works for you Eve. x

[Dottyy]

I think that the only real help for cellulitis is exercise. I think it's weird how I've even seen skinny people who have it, also. It is all just a matter of keeping your body firm. Try yoga! That should help!

[furrypusscat]

Haven't read all the posts but if it hasn't been suggested you could try taking antihistamine for the itching and definitely an ice pack would help. The itching will no doubt be worse when the area is warm.

[Cloverjo]

Dottyy, I think you're thinking of cellulite. Very different thing.

[Retrochic]

Dottyy the OP is about cellulitis, a bacterial infection involving the skin, NOT cellulite which is a dimpling of the skin due to underlying fatty tissue.