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What Causes Redness And Swelling Of Leg Post Antibiotic Usage?
Question: Should I see a doctor tomorrow a.m. I was on antibiotics since last Fri for a possible blood clot which was not ruled out I took antibiotics Fri, Sat, and Sun. I was on an IV 3 days and off today as I was unable to get a ride to the hospital Skin on my left leg below my knee is still warm and reddish swelling has gone down a little bit and I am able to walk around with no pain as of today morn ing and afternoon. My skin is not itchy. I have been drinking lots of fluids tons of water and elevating my leg to relax basically. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Sincerely Ms. XXXXXXX XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please clarify the facts
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms XXXXXXX,
there are some things that need clarification regarding your visit to the hospital. I understand that your leg was swollen, red, warm and painful (all four elements of inflammation), you were examined and intravenous antibiotics were administered, which means that a diagnosis of erysipelas or cellulitis was reached somehow.
You mentioned a possible blood clot and I suppose there was suspicion for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If this is the case, then an ultrasound scan of the deep veins of the calf and above would be sufficient to detect blood clots and vein dysfunction or occlusion. This condition warrants a very different approach and if there was suspicion for it, then it should have been excluded by all means, because very serious complications may ensue.
So what was the diagnosis? Did you get any prescription or medical report? There has to be a diagnosis somewhere...
If this is erysipelas then antibiotic treatment is needed for at least 10 days. Antibiotic treatment can be given by mouth as well.
If this is DVT then you're going to need anticoagulation for at least 4-6 months and investigation for the cause.
I hope I've helped.
If you'd like more information, please clarify the details I've mentioned above and I'll be glad to provide more help.
Kind Regards!
Please clarify the facts
Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms XXXXXXX,
there are some things that need clarification regarding your visit to the hospital. I understand that your leg was swollen, red, warm and painful (all four elements of inflammation), you were examined and intravenous antibiotics were administered, which means that a diagnosis of erysipelas or cellulitis was reached somehow.
You mentioned a possible blood clot and I suppose there was suspicion for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If this is the case, then an ultrasound scan of the deep veins of the calf and above would be sufficient to detect blood clots and vein dysfunction or occlusion. This condition warrants a very different approach and if there was suspicion for it, then it should have been excluded by all means, because very serious complications may ensue.
So what was the diagnosis? Did you get any prescription or medical report? There has to be a diagnosis somewhere...
If this is erysipelas then antibiotic treatment is needed for at least 10 days. Antibiotic treatment can be given by mouth as well.
If this is DVT then you're going to need anticoagulation for at least 4-6 months and investigation for the cause.
I hope I've helped.
If you'd like more information, please clarify the details I've mentioned above and I'll be glad to provide more help.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
When I first saw the doctor last Friday they were going to send me to HighRiver for an altrosound for possible blood clot 15 or 20 min later Dr XXXXXXX and Barni resident doctor told me know I wouldn't need to go for ultra sound. Gave me IV in my wrist and sent me on my way, never told me even when I asked what the medication was, I feel I do not have to put up with crap from the Claresholm General Hospital in Alberta Canada one hour south of Calgary,Alberta.
Brief Answer:
More testing would be useful and appropriate
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Although I couldn't possibly be certain about your condition, since I've not examined you myself, I understand that the diagnosis was clinical and that there was suspicion for DVT.
Since DVT is a very serious diagnosis, that may have fatal complications, I suggest that you rule it out by undergoing an ultrasound scan of the veins or getting a second opinion (a clinical encounter).
Usually infection of the leg (erysipelas or cellulitis) and thrombosis of the veins (DVT which is very very serious or superficial vein thrombosis which is less serious) are clinically evident and an experienced doctor can distinguish between them without hesitating too much.
Besides clinical or radiological data, there are other simple blood tests that may indicate DVT like the d-dimers assay.
I don't quite understand why they first wanted to send you for an ultrasound, but changed their minds later. Perhaps they did the blood test I mentioned?
If not, then I suggest you get a second opinion. Clinical examination is of outmost importance in cases like yours. Radiological confirmation should be absolutely needed if clinical examination cannot exclude DVT.
I hope I've made things more clear to you!
If you need further clarifications, please let me know.
Kind Regards!
More testing would be useful and appropriate
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Although I couldn't possibly be certain about your condition, since I've not examined you myself, I understand that the diagnosis was clinical and that there was suspicion for DVT.
Since DVT is a very serious diagnosis, that may have fatal complications, I suggest that you rule it out by undergoing an ultrasound scan of the veins or getting a second opinion (a clinical encounter).
Usually infection of the leg (erysipelas or cellulitis) and thrombosis of the veins (DVT which is very very serious or superficial vein thrombosis which is less serious) are clinically evident and an experienced doctor can distinguish between them without hesitating too much.
Besides clinical or radiological data, there are other simple blood tests that may indicate DVT like the d-dimers assay.
I don't quite understand why they first wanted to send you for an ultrasound, but changed their minds later. Perhaps they did the blood test I mentioned?
If not, then I suggest you get a second opinion. Clinical examination is of outmost importance in cases like yours. Radiological confirmation should be absolutely needed if clinical examination cannot exclude DVT.
I hope I've made things more clear to you!
If you need further clarifications, please let me know.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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