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Suggest Alternative Treatment For Cellulitis In Calf Region
Question: I have cellulitis in left calf am taking antibiotic swelling still there
am on 5th week of swelling
what else can be done?
am on 5th week of swelling
what else can be done?
Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual photographs if possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/87 - consulted a Doctor - on Cephalexin 500 BID - cellulitis left calf - swelling persistent in spite of 5 weeks ... Wants to know what else can be done.
My thoughts:
5 weeks is a long time for any swelling/cellulitis to be persistent.
There has to be a reason for persistence and we should search for it:
The possible reasons can be as follows:
* General: diabetes , anemia, hypoproteinemia, kidney problems and such conditions that reduce the overall resistance power, delays control of infection and healing.
Local: reduced blood supply due to fibrosis, fat, arterial diseases; Foreign body like action of the dead necrotic tissue within, resistant bacteria, chronic irritating factors within and so on.
I would suggest you the following:
Please discuss all these factors with your treating Doctor/s, get investigated accordingly to get the causative factor. Once found to correct or treat the problem and you will be fine.
You may please post pictures/images of the affected area which sometimes may help in diagnosis.
Continue the antibiotic till it is prescribed.
Add on anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen if it suits you.
Elevation of the affected part above the heart/chest level if this is possible.
Supportive medicines like anti-oxidants n the form of multivitamins.
To get the causative factor/s and to get treated.
I hope this answer helps you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Please feel free to ask for the further relevant queries if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication and give me feedback
Wishing you an early and complete recovery.
Please give details and post actual photographs if possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/87 - consulted a Doctor - on Cephalexin 500 BID - cellulitis left calf - swelling persistent in spite of 5 weeks ... Wants to know what else can be done.
My thoughts:
5 weeks is a long time for any swelling/cellulitis to be persistent.
There has to be a reason for persistence and we should search for it:
The possible reasons can be as follows:
* General: diabetes , anemia, hypoproteinemia, kidney problems and such conditions that reduce the overall resistance power, delays control of infection and healing.
Local: reduced blood supply due to fibrosis, fat, arterial diseases; Foreign body like action of the dead necrotic tissue within, resistant bacteria, chronic irritating factors within and so on.
I would suggest you the following:
Please discuss all these factors with your treating Doctor/s, get investigated accordingly to get the causative factor. Once found to correct or treat the problem and you will be fine.
You may please post pictures/images of the affected area which sometimes may help in diagnosis.
Continue the antibiotic till it is prescribed.
Add on anti-inflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen if it suits you.
Elevation of the affected part above the heart/chest level if this is possible.
Supportive medicines like anti-oxidants n the form of multivitamins.
To get the causative factor/s and to get treated.
I hope this answer helps you to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Please feel free to ask for the further relevant queries if you need to or if you feel that there is a gap of communication and give me feedback
Wishing you an early and complete recovery.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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