HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Cellulitis

Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017

Question: My friend has been experiencing severe leg pain with red sores all over and now has spread to her arms. Extremely painful to the slightest touch. Persistent cough and fevers nightly that go away in the morning. Did have a positive TB test about 20 years ago. She is 39 now. Had a chest x-ray and saw spots on both lungs so had a CT scan today and is waiting the results. Urine and blood work came back fine. Symptoms have been occurring for about a month and a half. Originally diagnosed because she had strep that the swelling and sores are a possible result. Any insight would be really appreciated. I think she needs hopsitlized, but the doctors have not gone that route yet. She also has 3 children under 5 years old.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It looks like Cellulitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Please post a picture if possible.
As per your description, it looks.like Cellulitis, infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue of the leg.It is most commonly by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus.
I prefer to admit her and give Antibiotic like Linezolid 600mg twice daily intravenously.
Infection from the legs might have spread to the arms and chest too.
She needs hospitalisation and treatment.
Irrespective of the CT scan Chest report, please ask for admission.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish her speedy recovery.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (3 hours later)

Thank you so much Dr.! She is refusing to be admitted into the hospital and no medical professional is recommending that either. I cannot understand why she hasn't been admitted yet. I cannot find how to attach a picture but I have several pictures I can send of her swollen legs and the rash. She was originally diagnosed with Erythema Nodosum but the persistent cough and fever doesn't seem consistent with that diagnosis.

Thank you again!

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can attach in the Reports section.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

A cough associated with fever could be due to Lung infection. If a cough is productive, I'd prefer to send the sputum for Culture and Sensitivity and for AFB (Tuberculosis bacteria).

But, the lesions in the leg and arms have to be treated too.

You can attach/upload the picture here at the reports section of this web-page.
If she is not willing for admission, investigations have to be done on an outpatient basis.

Wish her speedy recovery.
Regards

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee