Cellulitis? or what? - Infectious Diseases Message Board

sheepshead · 08-18-2003, 08:17 AM

I was bitten by an insect (I believe) about a year ago. The next day I had enough pain that I visited the local ER. The bite was right on the front/top of my left foot. The ER docs were not much help, but they used the word "cellulitis". The bite caused redness and pain all up my lower left leg. I took antibiotics for 10 days. The infection cleared up, but now some 14 months later, I still have tingling, discoloration (foot turns purple), and a tightening feeling in my ankle area. I went thru several weeks of therapy (boot massages, etc.). Does anyone have any idea on how I can get this resolved - what type of doctor may be able to help me, whether or not this will ever go away, or even if there is alternative therapy or medicine. Thanks.

projapoti · 08-18-2003, 11:18 PM

Hi sheepshead. So you had some type of cellulitis eh? Cellulitis is a diffuse infection not of the skin, but of the connective tissue below the skin. That sucks that you're experiencing all of these symptoms right now. I think a person who might be able to help you is a neurologist. You mentioned you're feeling all sorts of tingling and what not. It is at least possible that the cellulitis could have affected the nerves in that area.

rubindj · 10-12-2003, 11:50 PM

Unfortuneately the nerve damage is usually permaent, there are some drugs to help the pain, and there is some surgery to if it is affecting function. Also, they may regrow over time. You can talk to your primary doc or a neurologist for more help

Bruce · 11-10-2003, 11:47 AM

I suspect you were bitten by a spider. Unfortunately, their isn't much you can do about it, except debridement of dead tissue, pain medication and avoid infections.

Bruce
retired microbiologist