Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For An Insect Bite
Question: In 2008 while turning a box at work I tore a disc & herniated another in my back at L4 & L5. I followed my employer's injury procedure, took advil, mussel relaxer & went to P.T. Nothing helped & my back was now worse. I was to go to an Orthopedic Dr. I did & was told I was not a candidate for surgery, I should see a pain management Doctor, which I did and have been seeing him ever since. I have had every test & procedure to fix my back, including implanting a spinal cord stimulator. He prescribed different pain killers some helped a little, others more, until I developed side effects and had to have them changed. I am currently on a fentanyl patch (100mcg/hr). However, while on previous pain killers my legs (& most all of me) developed edema. My Dr. says it's not from the meds just my inactivity due to my back pain. But my legs especially my left on has developed a large hot red patch with small to medium blisters. My legs hurt terribly I bought a leg compression machine that helps some, compression socks don't help, I take 25 mg of Hydrochlorothiazide a day, but it doesn't help. I also get migraines & take other meds for that & other problems. But right now it my swollen legs with these blisters, they itch and I'm trying not to scratch them. I've put cortisone cream & bug bite cream on them but they still itch and won't go away. What are they and what is causing this to happen? I hope you can help. If you need more info let me know. Thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Cause of blister and itching
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The blisters with swollen legs could be
: Bug bite - As you have already applied bug bite cream and cortisone cream, it is sufficient to treat it. It can be suspected if there are multiple small blisters in a line. If hygiene is not maintained, blisters can get infected.
: Necrotising fascitis - It is a soft tissue infection which causes swelling in limbs, pain, redness, blisters, some times black skin, fever, severe pain. The infection rapidly spreads.
You can correlate your features and if matching, consult ER as soon as possible. It needs intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage of pus if any and release of pressure in limbs.
: Pressure sores in oedematous limb - As doctor has already told, you are having limb edema due to poor inactivity as a result of venous pooling. Such oedematous limbs are more prone to develop pressure sores as a result continuous pressure on limb in one position.
It can be suspected if blisters are on pressure area, no fever, no pus, no warm skin.
: Drug side effects - It can be suspected if blisters are at multiple sites along with rashes, itching and symptoms become more prominent after taking particular medication. It is "Drug Allergy".
Kindly consult doctor to stop the suspected medication.
I have mentioned few differential diagnosis. You can match your features and consult doctor accordingly or you can let me know. After confirming, right treatment can be given.
Till confirmation, you can follow few tips
: Don't rupture blisters.
: Avoid pressure on blisters.
: Maintain hygiene
: Continue applying cream
: Look for any signs of infection like redness, warm skin, pus, fever, consult doctor as early as possible.
Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
Cause of blister and itching
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. The blisters with swollen legs could be
: Bug bite - As you have already applied bug bite cream and cortisone cream, it is sufficient to treat it. It can be suspected if there are multiple small blisters in a line. If hygiene is not maintained, blisters can get infected.
: Necrotising fascitis - It is a soft tissue infection which causes swelling in limbs, pain, redness, blisters, some times black skin, fever, severe pain. The infection rapidly spreads.
You can correlate your features and if matching, consult ER as soon as possible. It needs intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage of pus if any and release of pressure in limbs.
: Pressure sores in oedematous limb - As doctor has already told, you are having limb edema due to poor inactivity as a result of venous pooling. Such oedematous limbs are more prone to develop pressure sores as a result continuous pressure on limb in one position.
It can be suspected if blisters are on pressure area, no fever, no pus, no warm skin.
: Drug side effects - It can be suspected if blisters are at multiple sites along with rashes, itching and symptoms become more prominent after taking particular medication. It is "Drug Allergy".
Kindly consult doctor to stop the suspected medication.
I have mentioned few differential diagnosis. You can match your features and consult doctor accordingly or you can let me know. After confirming, right treatment can be given.
Till confirmation, you can follow few tips
: Don't rupture blisters.
: Avoid pressure on blisters.
: Maintain hygiene
: Continue applying cream
: Look for any signs of infection like redness, warm skin, pus, fever, consult doctor as early as possible.
Hope it will help you. Thanks. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
