Cellulitis Both Legs

[eve1974]

My husband has been diagnosed with cellulitis in BOTH legs. Everything I've read says it's almost impossible to have it on both legs at same time. Have any of you had it on 2 legs concurrently? His history etc:

51years
Not very overweight and no recent weight gain / loss)
High blood pressure (well controlled on medication)
Drink too much alcohol (but isn't an alcoholic in my opinion) but his liver function tests always come back fine (he has these blood tests because of his blood pressure medication.
Has had a lot of work stress recently.


First cellulitis: 18 months ago. Right leg only. Following a graze from dirty shopping trolley. Cleared with metronidazole.

2nd cellulitis: 5 weeks ago. Right leg only. Cleared (but I'm not sure as I think there was still slightvredness etc after antibiotics ) with 2 weeks Fluconazole

3rd cellulitis: xmas day Both legs (right far worse than left) and has been give one week co-arythromycin

I'm so worried as to why he's getting this when his health is good. Especially as it is in BOTH legsz

[Gizmonster]

This link has plenty of info, although you'll prob be well aware of most of it anyway:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cellulitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

I don't know why, but it seems that if you've had cellulitis before, then you're more likely to get it again and I've absolutely no idea why he's getting it in both legs.

I had it approx 20 years ago in my lower leg. I ended up in hospital for over a week on a drip. Anyway, it cleared up and thankfully I haven't had it since.

From what I remember it was quite painful.
I hope he makes a speedy recovery - he has my sympathy, as I kinda know what he's going through .....

[Sqad]

First of all, i would like to congratulate you on a clear, well thought out and well presented history of the condition.
I cannot add anything further to add to the post of Gizmonster except to say that recurrent cellulitis is well reported, the reason being unclear.

[eve1974]

Thank you both very much for taking the time to respond. X x

[Eve]

Could he be diabetic?

I have had it a few times, I have a weakened immune system and fluid in my legs and feet (if that makes a difference) but think I'm also more prone to it having had it before. I have to keep a close eye on any insect bites on my legs and feet because of it.

I hope that it all clears up for him soon.

[Ruffec]

The only thing that worked quickly for me was acupuncture

[eve1974]

Thanks rufec and eve.
Eve - I wondered about diabetes but he has none of the other symptoms (weight changes, excessive urinating, slow healing cuts etc. Tho he is very very tired lately (that may be the infection or it may be the fact that he is having an incredibly stressful time work wise). I also worry though about some immune issue because to have it in both legs with no obvious cuts / bites etc etc

Rufec- A good idea re some acupuncture if it comes back:(.

This is 4th day antibiotics and they look to be working. The dr mentioned admitting him for intravenous meds if it didn't or if it comes back a 4th time

[eve1974]

the cellulitis is coming back! The starting signs are here tonight!


I'm worrying myself ill about his (husbands) health and trying to stay away from google because it scares me as to what the potential cause is?

18 days after finishing antibiotics.

Husband has had blood tests 3 months ago for diabetes, and had liver function, kidney function, full blood count too. All were ok so gp said no need to repeat them (????)

This is 3 times it's reoccured in 2 months!! (Since 12 November)

The very first bout was about 18 months ago after grazing ankle. After that it was fine until 2 months back.

I guess it's back to gp tomorrow. Each time it's just oral antibiotics they prescribe. I wish they'd give him IV antibiotics and be done with it.

[Toorak]

I'd recommend a&e because they can get tests done quickly and start ev antibiotics ( and organise hospitalisation if necessary)

[eve1974]

Yeah he wants to wait until morning for gp (it's early stages ofvredness) but like u I know a&e can get tests done quicker etc. But ... much as I adore my husband it does seem unfair to plague a&e with what the gp can do tomo. As it's early stages (mild redness, swelling) I think he'd be waiting hours at a&e. I really want gp to admit him for IV tho. I am so worried about what is the reason for this. He's pretty healthy generally - no predisposing factors "as far as we are aware" ... but "something " must be causing this

[hc4361]

This is not a case for A&E if you can get a GP appointment soon.

[eve1974]

Ps- He is booked him in for a private bupa health check next Friday 27th. Costing about us £580 quid or thereabouts...but want him checked. What (if any) tests / checks should he ask the dr to do(ps there's a long list of what they check - basically a health MOT- but as he will have about 2 hrs there the dr can give him a lot more attention than our overworked NHS doctors surgery

[eve1974]

Well couldn't get gp appt. the redness / swelling is no worse this morning nor is it any better. I wonder if cellulitis EVER goes away