Big Fat Red and Painful Leg: Cellulitis

[Bigtchrist]

Dear Dr. Steve

On tuesday the 23rd i was diagnosed with cellulitus... Now from what i notice most of the cases, people are given pain killers. now my question is why didnt my doctor give me any? im dieing here from pain.....

[Dr Steve]

Dear Dr. Steve

On tuesday the 23rd i was diagnosed with cellulitus... Now from what i notice most of the cases, people are given pain killers. now my question is why didnt my doctor give me any? im dieing here from pain.....

Big T:

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and skin structures...it's often seen in diabetics but can potentially happen to anyone. It's caused by bacterial invasion of the skin and is treated generally with antibiotics. Sometimes it's very painful, but in some diabetics with nerve damage, they may not feel a thing (which is why it often gets so bad in the first place).

Cellulitis is described as being red, swollen, painful and will often spread if not treated quickly.

http://missinglink.ucsf.edu/lm/DermatologyGlossary/img/Dermatology%20Glossary/Glossary%20Clinical%20Images/Cellulitis-_2-48.jpg

Some docs will write pain meds automatically for this, others will only if the patient complains of pain, and a few will not write pain meds at all. Not sure which one your doc is, but if you ask him/her for something for pain outright, you'll find out quickly.

As the infection is cured, the pain will go away. Elevating the limb will probably help as well.

Good luck and I hope you feel better!


your pal,



steve

PS: if you get fever or chills, you need to go to the emergency room or at least call your doc asap; this may be a sign that you need to be admitted for IV antibiotics.