Advice Needed on Cellulitis Situation
I shared my experience last night regarding a possible cellulitis diagnosis due to insect bites. This morning, I visited my doctor and received a prescription for clarithromycin, to be taken twice daily. I’ve already consumed my first dose. The doctor advised me to mark the area with a line to monitor any changes in the redness, but he didn’t provide much guidance on what steps to take if the area does indeed expand. Since then, I've noticed an increase in pain, and the redness has spread approximately two inches up my leg. While I don’t have a fever, I feel quite unwell overall. I’ve come across information suggesting that it’s common for symptoms to worsen within the first 48 hours of starting treatment, but I’m concerned about the spreading redness and wondering if I should visit a walk-in clinic for further assessment. Currently, I’m applying ice to the affected area and keeping my foot elevated. A little about me: I’m a 33-year-old female taking metformin (2000 mg) for PCOS along with 50 mg of Elvanse. My weight is 79 kg, and I’m 5 feet 6 inches tall. I plan to share some images in the comments, but I haven’t drawn a second line yet due to heightened sensitivity and fatigue.
Answers (1)
7/1/2025, 2:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging situation regarding your cellulitis, and I can see why you're feeling concerned about the spreading redness and increasing pain. Here are the key points to consider:
-
Monitor the Area: It’s essential to keep an eye on the redness and any changes in pain levels, as you’re currently doing. Since your doctor advised marking the area, this will help you track the spread effectively.
-
Understand Treatment Response: It’s true that symptoms can sometimes seem to worsen in the first days of antibiotic treatment. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between normal treatment responses and a worsening infection.
Next Steps:
-
Draw a New Line: Even with sensitivity and fatigue, try to draw a new line around the area of redness today, marking where the redness has spread. This will help you convey accurate information if you seek further care.
-
Increase Pain and Symptoms Monitoring: Pay close attention to any new symptoms such as fever, chills, increased swelling, or a change in the color or warmth of the area. These can indicate that the infection is worsening.
-
Ice and Elevation: Continue applying ice to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain, but limit ice application to 15-20 minutes at a time. Keeping your foot elevated is also a good practice.
-
Timing of Medical Attention: If the redness continues to expand beyond the line you marked, or if your pain significantly worsens, it’s advisable to seek medical care sooner rather than later—even if you don't have a fever. The increasing pain and well-being concerns warrant a revisit to your healthcare provider or a walk-in clinic for further evaluation.
-
Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and resting as much as possible to support your body while it fights the infection.
Please keep a close eye on your symptoms, and don't hesitate to seek medical attention if you feel your situation is worsening. Your health and comfort are important, and it’s better to err on the side of caution. Expressing your concerns to a healthcare professional can provide you with peace of mind and necessary support.
Related Questions
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods
Should I Seek Medical Attention for Left Ear Pulsatile Tinnitus?
A 31-year-old woman reports an ongoing issue with pulsatile tinnitus, which she is currently experiencing solely in her left ear. Although she's noticed this condition intermittently before, she hadn’t paid it much mind due to the absence of pain. Recently, however, her curiosity piqued her interest in researching the condition, where she stumbled upon information suggesting it could be serious. Usually, she avoids searching online for health worries, but now she is contemplating whether a visit to the doctor might be warranted. Can anyone advise on the need for a medical evaluation in this case?
Concerns About Angular Cheilitis
I’m a 23-year-old woman with no history of smoking, and I’m seeking assistance regarding a health issue. Back in January, I experienced angular cheilitis three times, each episode involving a minor crack at the corner of my mouth that healed within a few days. Following the last occurrence, I became quite anxious due to saliva accumulation in that area. I found myself frequently brushing my finger along that spot. After a few days, I observed a small area forming that appeared white and had a rough texture. Eventually, I realized it was not just a coincidence, and I started taking action, but only after it became noticeably larger. To address it, I cleaned the area with a mix of alcohol and apple cider vinegar. I’m uncertain about what this issue could be, but I’ve recently begun using over-the-counter Clotrimazole cream while also keeping the area moisturized with either lanolin or petroleum jelly. Unfortunately, I haven’t noticed any improvement, and I’m concerned as it seems to be expanding. The patch continues to be rough and excessively dry. Although I can open my mouth wide without any cracks forming, I do feel tension in the skin, similar to having a bandage over that location. At times, I experience a burning sensation after thorough washing, and I’ve noticed tiny red spots appearing on the outer edges of the patch sporadically.