Could My Erythema Nodosum Have Progressed to Cellulitis?
I’ve posted about my situation a few times, but my previous messages may have been too lengthy, causing readers to lose interest. To keep it concise: I’m a 27-year-old woman, weighing 170 pounds, and I am four and a half months post-delivery. I visited my doctor, where I was diagnosed with Erythema Nodosum based solely on visual examination, with no biopsy conducted. A chest x-ray ruled out sarcoidosis, and I subsequently had a lab test that revealed some abnormalities: - MCH: Low at 26.8 pg - EDW: Low at 35.1 fL - C-reactive protein: Elevated at 49.5 mg/L Although I was diagnosed with Mononucleosis, I haven’t experienced any symptoms related to it. Given that I’ve barely left my home since giving birth, I found it hard to believe but I accepted the diagnosis for the time being. Now, four weeks later, there are still no signs of mono, yet the nodules on my legs have increased significantly. Almost all of my lower legs from the knees down are hot, inflamed, and swollen. There’s noticeable fluid retention, resulting in deep indentations when pressure is applied, which can take 2-3 minutes to subside. Along with this, I am experiencing persistent sharp pain and tenderness in my shins and calves. My main worry is that these symptoms began as small, circular red nodules. Now, over a month later, about 75% of my leg's surface area is entirely reddened and inflamed, accompanied by newly formed severe hives. I can’t see a doctor until mid-July, and the hospitals are currently overwhelmed. Should I consider a trip to the emergency room, or could this be a normal development stemming from Erythema Nodosum? Is there a chance I might have cellulitis? I’m also aware that conditions like lupus, leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers could lead to a false positive for mono. Therefore, should I pursue further testing, or is this expected with chronic cases of EN? As an additional note, I've recently observed that my legs experience pain and tingling when I exhale. I'm uncertain if this is related. Thank you for your insight!
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 7:01:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a challenging time with your symptoms and concerns. The significant increase in inflammation and pain in your legs could suggest a few things, including the possibility of cellulitis, especially given the warmth, swelling, and redness you've described.
Key Points:
- Current Symptoms: Your increased inflammation, swelling, and fluid retention, along with sharp pain and new hives, are concerning and may require urgent evaluation.
- Potential for Cellulitis: The swelling and warmth in your legs could indicate cellulitis, which is a bacterial skin infection that requires prompt treatment.
- Next Steps: Safety is the priority, especially considering your symptoms and recent history.
Explanation:
Erythema Nodosum (EN) can cause painful nodules typically related to underlying conditions. While it's possible for EN to persist and evolve, your symptoms’ intensity (increased redness, swelling, and new hives) could also signify an infection, particularly if your skin is tender and red over a large area. The pain and tingling associated with exhaling may also warrant attention, though it might not directly relate to the EN or cellulitis.
Immediate Actions:
- Visit the Emergency Room: Given the extent of your symptoms—especially with the presence of severe redness, swelling, and pain—it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately. Cellulitis, if it is present, can escalate quickly.
- Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including when they started, their progression, and any other systemic symptoms (like fever or chills) to share with medical personnel.
- Avoid Pressure on Affected Areas: Try to keep your legs elevated when possible to reduce swelling and avoid irritating the inflamed skin.
Your health and comfort are paramount, so seeking immediate medical evaluation is the best course of action. This ensures that you receive the necessary care and any further diagnostic tests needed to address your conditions. Please take care of yourself and prioritize getting help.
Related Questions
Temporary Numbness Episodes: Seeking Guidance
I am a 34-year-old female, standing 165 cm tall and weighing 87 kg, of mixed White and Black heritage. I have been managing narcolepsy with modafinil for the past twelve years, and I’m also addressing depression with a prescribed medication that I've been on for six weeks. I reside in the UK. I’m in search of some advice regarding recent episodes of numbness. While ChatGPT suggests heading to urgent care, I’d prefer to avoid long wait times and the uncertainty of the visit, especially since I am required to arrange care for my young child, as I am parenting solo tonight. On Tuesday, while grocery shopping, I lifted an item off the shelf and unexpectedly experienced a loss of sensation in both of my arms, accompanied by tingling in my fingers. I could still move them with great effort; it felt akin to having a dead arm after a poor sleep position. This episode lasted approximately 30 seconds to a minute, followed by tension in my shoulders, but there were no other notable symptoms. Fast forward to today (Saturday), while chatting at home, I suddenly felt numbness on one side of my jaw. Despite this sensation, I was still able to continue talking. It reminded me of the feeling one gets after receiving dental anesthesia. Like before, it was momentary and resolved after about a minute. I’m inclined to think that I might be pinching nerves or something similar. Is this condition urgent, or would it be more reasonable to reach out to my GP on Monday for a follow-up examination? 🫠
Strange Painful Bumps on My Throat Post-Tonsillectomy
Greetings, everyone! I’m a 31-year-old female who underwent a tonsillectomy three months back. About a month following the surgery, I noticed the emergence of some whitish, painful bumps on the left side of my throat. Even now, I still experience discomfort when I try to open my mouth widely, and I’m uncertain whether this is a common occurrence post-surgery. I’m not currently on any medication. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding what these bumps might be or if I should seek medical attention for them.
Chronic Abdominal Discomfort and Constipation in a 22-Year-Old Female
I am a 22-year-old female, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 95 pounds, seeking insight into my ongoing health concerns. My medical background includes a variety of issues: - Frequent bouts of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections over the past two years. - An appendectomy performed in August 2024, during which a 1cm perforation was discovered. - Development of ovarian cysts. - A C. difficile infection treated effectively with Vancomycin in September 2024. - Onset of heart palpitations starting in September 2024. - Experiencing fainting spells and symptoms aligned with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) that persisted until May 2025. As a child, I struggled with being underweight and restrictive eating behaviors, however, I have since managed to improve my condition. Notably, I gained 10 pounds during a trip to Japan from January to May 2025. Additional concerns include mild scoliosis, hypotension, and severe headaches localized to the left temple that have been persistent since March 2025. During a visit to the emergency department in October 2025 due to heart palpitations and dizziness, tests returned mostly normal, although a high D-Dimer level was noted. A cardiologist suggested the possibility of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Familial health history is significant, particularly with my mother suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome, as well as a family history of stomach ulcers. My maternal grandfather had a stroke and diabetes. I began experiencing troubling symptoms in September 2025, manifesting 5-6 days per week as a persistent, dull ache located on the left side of my abdomen, particularly around the belly button. This discomfort escalates to severe pain at least once a month, after which I often experience nausea followed by vomiting that temporarily alleviates the pain. For the last two months, I have been dealing with pain localized in the left side of my back and abdomen, spreading occasionally to the right side during urination, and this sensation intensifies during my menstrual period. Since September 2025, I have noted continuous, involuntary pressure and extension of my rectum, which remains tense and unyielding, an issue that began after I suffered a tear in the anal sphincter/perineal area in April 2025. Additional symptoms include: - A gurgling noise from my stomach after eating. - Cramping similar to menstrual discomfort. - Frequent urges to urinate. - Discomfort during sexual activity. - A peculiar twitching sensation in my left leg while seated, akin to a blood vessel trying to function. - Occasional sharp chest pains potentially related to my posture. My bowel habits appear to be regular, with daily movements occurring one to two times. I have undergone several medical evaluations: - Thyroid function is normal. - Celiac disease screening returned negative. - Blood tests revealed normal glucose levels and a general metabolic panel, though potassium levels were low. - A tilt table test indicated no evidence of POTS. - A bladder assessment confirmed complete emptying. - Various urine tests were all negative for infection. Recent CT scans revealed a backup extending throughout the transverse colon since my surgery, with a follow-up scan showing no improvement. During my hospital stay for C. difficile, I was placed on medications including Colace and Miralax to assist in clearing the colon obstruction. Recommended management strategies from my healthcare providers include: - Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a nutritious diet, both of which I have been adhering to. - Engaging in physical activity, specifically yoga; however, I often feel too unwell to do much beyond attending college classes. I make an effort to walk regularly. - Preparing for a colonoscopy, though I have concerns about the long-term efficacy of this approach, especially since similar preparations did not yield lasting results in the past. - I have a pelvic floor therapy appointment scheduled for January to address some of these issues further.
Interpreting My EKG Results: Should I Be Concerned?
I am a 27-year-old female, weighing 185 pounds, and of Caucasian descent. I recently visited my physician due to ongoing leg spasms, for which I'm slated to undergo further spinal MRIs as well as consult with a neuromuscular expert specifically regarding my symptoms. During my appointment, my doctor, after conducting some preliminary evaluations, suggested I have an EKG. We anticipated seeing typical results, but were caught off guard by the unexpected findings. While my doctor expressed a sense of reassurance, suggesting that the abnormalities could be incidental or simply variations unique to my physiology—especially since I haven’t had previous EKG records—he noted that I currently experience no additional symptoms such as irregular heart rates, fluctuations in blood pressure, or chest pain. Still, I am contemplating seeking a second opinion and would appreciate any insights that others might have regarding my situation. As for the EKG outcomes, I am willing to provide any necessary details if required. Here’s what I’ve been told about the results: - The sinus rhythm reveals low voltage in the precordial leads, indicating an incomplete right bundle branch block alongside a left axis-anterior fascicular block. - The voltage criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (where R(I) + S(III) exceeds 2.50 mV) is noted, but it’s mentioned that without ST/T abnormalities, this may be considered normal. - Additionally, there appears to be left atrial enlargement present. Overall, the findings suggest abnormalities, making it crucial for me to understand their significance in light of my symptoms (or lack thereof). Any thoughts or advice would be greatly valued!
Seeking Guidance: Battling Chronic Illness for Over a Decade
I'm in dire need of assistance. For years, I've been feeling unwell, experiencing an almost constant state of illness. It's difficult to convey precisely what I'm going through, but I will attempt to articulate it as best as I can. My daily existence is overshadowed by overwhelming fatigue, lingering headaches, an absence of energy, and an unsettling sense of unease—though I wouldn't classify it as nausea. The demands of a workday have become increasingly challenging. One silver lining during the pandemic was the shift to remote work, which made my days more manageable. However, I've recently transitioned to a new role that requires me to commute to the office weekly for a 100-mile round trip. We've now been informed that starting mid-January, attendance will be mandatory from Tuesday to Thursday, and it's likely a full return will be expected in the future. Currently, I find myself rising nearly two hours earlier than necessary just to have time to drink coffee, catch up on the news, and mentally prepare to shower and begin my day. Whether it's a workday or a weekend where I can potentially sleep in, I still find myself needing to sit quietly for an extended period before I can muster the energy to move. Regardless of whether I've had 6, 8, 10, or even 12 hours of sleep, I never feel truly well. I force myself to complete essential chores: cleaning the house, cooking, doing laundry, caring for pets, working, and even showering. Shopping has largely migrated online for me, including grocery deliveries. Although my husband and I look forward to going out for drinks with friends at our local American Legion on Friday nights, the exhaustion afterward seems to linger throughout the weekend. Although my mind craves activities and I long for the hobbies I used to enjoy, I feel restricted by a lack of energy. I miss feeling like my old self—active, engaged, and capable of doing the things I love. This nagging sense of discomfort has persisted for around 13 years, escalating from just fatigue to a pervasive feeling of illness over the last six years. Despite discussions with my doctor, I haven't found satisfactory answers. All my blood tests yield normal results, and during routine check-ups, no issues are identified. ### My Background: I am a Caucasian female approaching 62 years in February. - **Height:** 5'5" - **Weight:** 150 lbs (I’ve experienced a weight increase of approximately 20-25 lbs due to menopause; my menstrual cycle has never been consistent, often skipping several months.) - **Mental Health:** I've dealt with depression since childhood, starting treatment in 2004 with 30mg of Cymbalta three times a day, which was later increased to a 60mg time-release version (Duloxetine) once daily in 2016 due to constant fatigue. - **Hypertension:** I take 100/25mg of Losartan HCTZ once daily, 5mg of Amlodipine Besylate once daily, and 25mg of Spironolactone once daily. This condition is hereditary; I began medication at 37 during my peak physical fitness, having maintained a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. Both my mother and maternal grandmother also had high blood pressure and relied on medication. I typically indulge in a few beers weekly during our outings, and I do not use recreational drugs. Three years ago, I had pre-cancerous polyps removed during my first colonoscopy, and I underwent a second colonoscopy six months ago with another scheduled for February. I've also been experiencing loose stools on a regular basis, likely a side effect from my medications. This issue began around ten years ago. Could there be a possibility that I have an autoimmune disorder? What steps can I take moving forward? I cannot continue to live my life constantly feeling unwell. Any guidance or suggestions would be immensely appreciated. Thank you!