Concerns About Worsening Cellulitis Infection
My husband has been prescribed Bactrim to treat cellulitis affecting his knee. Today marks the third day of his antibiotic course, and unfortunately, the sore on his knee has been oozing bloody pus continuously during this time. The condition appears to have deteriorated compared to how it looked before his visit to the doctor. Although he reports that the pain has diminished somewhat, the wound remains quite unsightly despite our efforts to cleanse it daily with saline solution. Additionally, he has developed a second area of concern on his calf, which initially was just a minor blemish. However, it has now progressed to show increasing redness, accompanied by noticeable swelling and hardness in the calf region. I believe it's essential for us to return to the doctor tomorrow for further evaluation. Our previous visit to urgent care was frustrating; the physician spent less than two minutes with us, offering no treatment for the wound—simply advising that we return if his condition worsened. Given that he is not exhibiting signs of sepsis, should we wait to visit the emergency room, or should we seek out urgent care again to insist they properly clean the wound and perhaps consider a different antibiotic?
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 6:31:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your husband's worsening cellulitis infection, especially given the new symptoms and the persistent oozing. Here’s a structured approach to addressing these issues:
Main Points:
- The worsening condition and new symptoms are concerning, which may require prompt medical evaluation.
- While he currently does not show signs of sepsis (such as fever, chills, or confusion), ongoing changes in the affected areas warrant closer monitoring and potential intervention.
Explanation:
Cellulitis is a skin infection that can become serious if it spreads or does not respond to treatment. The draining of bloody pus and the development of a new inflamed area on his calf suggests that the infection may not be resolving effectively with Bactrim. This can happen if the bacteria causing the infection are resistant to the antibiotic or if there is another underlying issue.
Taking into account the situation with previous medical consultations, it's important to ensure he receives proper care to address the infection effectively.
Next Steps:
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Urgent Medical Evaluation: Seek urgent care or a primary physician as soon as possible, especially given the new symptoms on the calf. Be clear about the timeline, the oozing, and the new swelling when you explain the situation. This is critical to ensuring he gets the appropriate treatment.
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Documentation: Take notes or photographs of the affected areas over the next few hours. This can help convey the severity of the situation to healthcare providers.
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Wound Care: Continue to gently cleanse the knee and calf areas with saline, but avoid aggressive scrubbing. Keep the area clean and covered to prevent further irritation and protect it from bacteria.
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Prepare for Questions: Be prepared to discuss the timeline of symptoms, any changes you’ve noticed, and the effectiveness of the current antibiotics. This information can help doctors make better-informed decisions on the treatment needed.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep observing his temperature and note any new symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or other systemic symptoms which could indicate a worsening infection.
Your concerns are valid, and being proactive about seeking care can lead to better management of your husband’s condition. Please ensure he receives the medical attention needed to prevent any complications. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!
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