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What Causes Redness And Swelling On Buttocks?
Question: I have an adult son with a severe TBI since 1986 who is severely physically disabled. This morning his nurse called me (he lives in his own home attached to ours) to come and look at his butt. Overnight his left butt cheek had turned bright red, hot to the touch and swollen in ridged areas and those areas are VERY hard. He says it doesn't hurt or itch (though he never complains of pain). My nurse said it looks like cellulitis but it would be very odd for it to be on this area of his body. Please advise.
Brief Answer:
Possibility of pressure sore needs to be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms
As you mentioned he is physically disabled denoting he is bed ridden. Redness over the buttock region (erythema ), possibility of early pressure sore needs to be considered apart from cellulitis as the cause. Cellulitis is unlikely to occur in buttock region. Erythema or redness over area subjected to constant pressure is earliest indication of pressure sore. Exact diagnosis and differentiation from cellulitis is only possible based on clinical examination. I would suggest you to consult your physician for further assessment.
In the meantime I would suggest you the following
1. Change the position in bed every 2 hours. Avoid excessive pressure at one point
2. Rub the area with gauge soaked in Surgical spirit. Rubbing action acts as rubefacient and increases blood supply.
3. Anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen will be helpful.
4. Antibiotics will be needed if it's cellulitis
In the meantime do send me clinical photograph for further assessment.
Awaiting your response
Take care
Best regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon
Possibility of pressure sore needs to be considered
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms
As you mentioned he is physically disabled denoting he is bed ridden. Redness over the buttock region (erythema ), possibility of early pressure sore needs to be considered apart from cellulitis as the cause. Cellulitis is unlikely to occur in buttock region. Erythema or redness over area subjected to constant pressure is earliest indication of pressure sore. Exact diagnosis and differentiation from cellulitis is only possible based on clinical examination. I would suggest you to consult your physician for further assessment.
In the meantime I would suggest you the following
1. Change the position in bed every 2 hours. Avoid excessive pressure at one point
2. Rub the area with gauge soaked in Surgical spirit. Rubbing action acts as rubefacient and increases blood supply.
3. Anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen will be helpful.
4. Antibiotics will be needed if it's cellulitis
In the meantime do send me clinical photograph for further assessment.
Awaiting your response
Take care
Best regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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