Cellulitis????

I was diagnosed last Wednesday with Cellulitis. By Friday my doctor had increased my antibiotics because it had spread although I was on Cipro. I am now on Rifadin, Septra and Silverdene ointment. She told me that it should be significantly smaller by Monday. It generally is muted in color and not feverish during the day but at night becomes very pink and feverish. I have not yet noticed any marked decrease in size of the area. She did mention that the combination of medication I am now own is what is used to treat MRSA at times. I am also keeping my leg elevated which helps greatly with the swelling. Has anyone else experienced this? Is it normal to flair up and get feverish at night? She has told me that if it doesn't clear up more by Monday I am looking at having to do IV Vancomycin. This all has me very concerned.

I had no physical symptoms with the onset. I just noticed it was hot and swollen. I thought it was the bruise I had. I got an ultrasound to rule out a blood clot. I am allergic to pennicillin which I know can make treatment difficult sometimes. We are not sure exactly how this started but know that I had a bruise from falling about 4-5 months ago and I have takend blows to the same spot in softball. All I know is it seems to make me tired a lot since starting these meds.

Ok - let's talk a bit. If you cellulitis came on FAST and you felt ill (fevers, chills, flu-like) before it got red and hot - it is probably streptococcal cellulitis (NOT MRSA or staph). Most cellulitis IS strep. Cipro is NOT a good drug for cellulitis and many doctors make that mistake. Other drugs in the same class as cipro (quinolones) are better options. Yes, the rifampin/septra combination is an option for MRSA - but if it isn't getting better - you DON'T need MRSA treatment...you probably DON'T have MRSA unless your cellulitis started as a skin abscess. The better options would be plain old penicillin (if you are not allergic) or cephalexin. Based on this story (and I have seen very many cases of cellulitis), I would NOT admit you and put you on IV vanco.

It is very normal for the redness to flare depending on the position of your legs. You probably notice that your leg is less red in the morning because you have been off your feet all night. Again, this is a common feature of strep, NOT staph infections.

Best wishes...

I never had Cellulitis. But one of the man I care for did. His flared up when he laid down because of the vertical nature of laying down.

My husband was hospitalized in June of this last summer with cellulitis in his leg. He was put on IV antibiotics called Tygacel, (not sure about the spelling). It's supposed to be the strongest antibiotic available. After he was released from the hospital five days later, he was prescribed a course of oral antibiotics for two weeks. During those two weeks his symptoms seemed to finally disappear. However, within a couple of weeks after going off the antiobiotics, he has had flare-ups. His legs swell and turn reddish/purple. He has joint pain and a low-grade fever with it as well. Unfortunately, he has not been able to find a physician willing to research his symptoms and find a better prognosis for him. We are still trying to understand all of this four months later. The doctors in the hospital told him that his infection was from either a Staph or Strep germ, but they didn't know which one. He saw the dermotologist and explained what had happened. The dermotologist told him soak in a tub with 1/8 cup Clorox to a 12 inches of water in the bathtub. He did that a few times and it seemed to help somewhat. He has also used a hand held massager on his legs to help with the swelling. It has helped. But, we are still wondering what can be done to completely heal it. So, I can empathize with you. I don't have any great advice, but just realize you're not alone.

You should be a bit concerned. Your doctor is right to treat this aggresively. She diagnosed you with cellulitis, which is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes which can occur concurrently with Staphylococcus aureus (the organism that can mutate to MRSA). Staphylococccus aureus is actually part of the normal flora of your body, and can be an opportunistic pathogen. That means it can take advantage of your body's immune system being weakened by infection or illness. If you are wondering if your reactions to medications are normal, I would recommend checking WebMD's drug page and calling your doctor with any concerns. You can also speak to your pharmacist about concerns regarding medication.

Well my mom has diabetes. She scratches her feet to the point they are sores (no feeling) needless to say she walked around a pool and now she's got it in her leg. She is now hospitlized and might need surgry because it made the area die real fast. I'm not trying to scare you but I hope you get it under control. They sent my mom home early thinking the infection was gone and now she's back in.

I'm sorry your going through this!!!! Good LUCK!