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Red And Painful Cellulitis On Back Of Leg. Should I Apply Heat Or Ice For Pain Relief?
I was diagnosed with a cellulitis on the back of my leg that has resulted in a boil. It's red and extremely painful. I was told I could put heat on it to help treat the infection, I'm also on two antibiotics, but I was wondering if I could ice the site occasionally to help with the pain. Thank you.
Wed, 4 Dec 2013
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic,
Warm compresses are better for boils because it localizes the infection, helps drain the pus and also helps in decreasing pain. I will recommend heat than cold. Cold works for musculoskeletal pain, not infection induced pain. Ice will decrease your blood circulation and a good circulation is beneficial in fighting against germs.
Hope this helped,
Take care.
Welcome to healthcare magic,
Warm compresses are better for boils because it localizes the infection, helps drain the pus and also helps in decreasing pain. I will recommend heat than cold. Cold works for musculoskeletal pain, not infection induced pain. Ice will decrease your blood circulation and a good circulation is beneficial in fighting against germs.
Hope this helped,
Take care.
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