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

What Causes Swollen Feet, Blisters And Red Irritation On Lower Legs?

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2015

Question: I have a dear friend who doesn't have insurance so is reluctant to go to an emergency room. She has swollen feet, red irritation which is sensitive to the touch on her lower legs. She also has blisters that are leaking liquid. She told me she has been gently washing her feet and legs and applying antibiotic gel to her irritated legs. She said she's also taking Advil a couple of times a day. Can you give some indication of what she is dealing with so my friends and I can get her the proper help. I also know she should be getting better hydration. I appreciate your advice.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please post pictures if possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
I can understand the problems your friend must be going through.

Is it possible for you to send me the clear pictures of the affected area?
This may help me to assist you better.

Noted the history of your friend, swollen feet, red irritation which is sensitive to touch and blisters that leak fluid; washing and applying antibiotic gel and taking Advil.

With the history you have provided, this looks to be the case of cellulitis and needs active investigations and treatment.
Till she gets to the Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination, investigations and proper treatment I would suggest the following:
- To apply liquid povidone iodine to the whole lower limbs, this helps to sterilize the skin and also forms a good layer.
- Elevation of both the lower limbs above the heart level to reduce the edema and congestion.
- Antibiotic coverage is a must as there are blisters that are leaking fluid.
- I hope she is not diabetic or has DVT.

I hope this answer helps her.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (35 minutes later)

I thank you for your timely response to my inquiry. Since it has been quite awhile since she had insurance to regularly go to the doctor, she didn't have diabetes then. I sincerely hope she hasn't developed it since then. Since she doesn't know that my friends asked me to send this inquiry to y'all, it might be difficult to get a photo of the affected areas. But, we will have her bathe her legs and feet with the iodine and keep her feet elevated as often as possible. And, we will push her into going to the local clinic if nothing else. Out of my own curiosity, what would cause cellulitis? A couple of weeks ago, a group of other friends got together and 2 of them spoke of cellulitis (which I had never heard of before ) -one of them was being treated for it and the other had it about a year ago. Is this something that is pretty common as we reach the XXXXXXX years? Thanks for your advice.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cellulitis is bacterial entry causing increase in edema and after-effects

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your kind words and works.
Let us hope she has not developed it then if she did not have in the past. This can be tested at home with a glucometer that many have.
I can understand the difficulty in getting a photo, now.
Liquid ''Povidone Iodine'', this is different than regular iodine.

The causes of cellulitis with growing years:
There is pulling of the blood into the veins in the lower limbs and as the XXXXXXX years nearby, the activity is slowed down, thereby slowing the only natural pump- the calf muscles, which act to push the blood against gravity to the heart.
Slowly the edema of the lower limbs may increase.
Secondly, legs have less sensitive skin than that of the body and take double the time of healing. Being near the ground all the time, is exposed to small, trivial traumas, insect bites, scratches and so on.
Skin is the best dressing and defense as we say. Once a small entry the bacteria can grow exponentially and by the time one realizes what has happened, the picture can be different overnight.

I hope this explains. Please fell free to ask further if you need to, I shall be very happy to assist you more.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (2 days later)

Thank you for your follow up reply. If we can't get our friend to a doctor or clinic, is there any over the counter treatment we can get her to help alleviate this condition? This is an uphill battle for us to get her the medical attention she needs. I appreciate any information you can provide in the interim until we get her "kicking and screaming to a clinic /doctor. Thanks so much, Doctor.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Advil thrice daily. Antibiotic need a prescription.

Detailed Answer:
Sorry to be a bit late.
Antibiotics need a prescription from a Doctor.
OTC can give us only some anti-inflammatory and Omeprazole type of medicines. Please discuss with your Pharmacy so that he can assist you best as he alone would know better.
Please give Advil three time a day after food.
Omeprazole once a day.
Antibiotics need a prescription. Can start some good multivitamins preparation.

I hope this answer helps.
Please check if your friend has some left-over antibiotics with her.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)

Thank you, Doctor. I looked up Omeprazole which I found that it's used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and similar conditions. What does this medication do to help alleviate the cellulitis?

We will certainly have our friend continue taking her Advil 3 times each day after meals. And we'll consult with the local pharmacist for further details on over the counter remedies. Our friend doesn't have any leftover anQtibiotic prescription, unfortunately. In regard to a go1od multi vitamin, she is already taking one.

Thank you for your time and assistance. Have a marvelous Monday and wonderful week.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Omeprazole to counter acidity that Advil can cause.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your wishes and I reciprocate the same.
Yes, Omeprazole is given to avoid the gastritis and acidity related problems that is caused by Advil taken in the right dose of thrice a day and due to the the stress and anxiety.
Please give. Good that you got the doubt cleared.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (2 days later)

Thank you, Doctor. Thankfully, my friend hasn't had any negative reaction to thrice daily doses of the Advil. We still have to consult with the local pharmacist to see if there are any over the counter med school she can take to aid in healing the cellulitis -since she is too stubborn /proud too go to a clinic without proper medical insurance. She worked all her life making a good income. Then, a number of years ago, she lost her job and couldn't secure another full time, well-paying job. She went through her retirement and personal savings just to survive. Unfortunately, this is a story you hear more and more people are experiencing in this worldwide economic crisis.

I thank you for your assistance. If you can offer any other non-prescription advice, it's greatly appreciated. Have a good evening, Doctor.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ask for Ayurvedic Products which do not need prescription.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback and appreciation.
I can understand what you have pointed to; the changed socio-economic scenario that has been changing over.
Please consult the Pharmacy. Please ask for any Ayurvedic products like Septilin by Himalaya Pharma. This too have antibiotic properties and may not need prescriptions.

Is there any improvement in her cellulitis or overall condition.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (3 days later)

Hi Doctor,
My friend's condition is still irritated but she said in some spots it seems to be healing as it is now a bit itchy not hurting. While some areas are still irritated. My friends and I chipped in and ordered the Septilin you recommended trying. We did it through XXXXXXX com so it should be coming this week so we can give it to her. She also said the Advil three times per day, seems to be alleviating some of the irritation. She hasn't had any acid issues with the Advil daily dosage which is a good thing.

Hopefully, the Septilin will help clear up the cellulitis. The Septilin order is also including an antibacterial soap made by the same manufacturer.

Again, we thank you for your advice and support. You are a God - send offering us some non-prescription alternative treatments for our friend's condition. Again, many thanks. We will let you know how she does after starting the Septilin.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Apply Liq Povidone Iodine, it is the best.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your feedback.
Please continue with applying liquid povidone iodine, no need of any sort of a soap.

If possible please post clear photographs.

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