Cellulitis and recovery?!
Question: My son got his appendix out Monday past, he got home on Wednesday, but on Thursday we had to get antibiotics, as he developed cellulitis in his hand where the canula for the drip was placed. I was warned he may be prone to this as he is on immunosuppressants for severe excema. This is his 3rd proper day of the antibiotics, but there doesnt seem to be much improvement apart from less pain, his hand is still very swollen and the skin seems to be cracking and red. I contacted his GP and was told this is normal. Has anyone ever had any similar, if so how long before he should see an improvement?
Answers: My son got his appendix out Monday past, he got home on Wednesday, but on Thursday we had to get antibiotics, as he developed cellulitis in his hand where the canula for the drip was placed. I was warned he may be prone to this as he is on immunosuppressants for severe excema. This is his 3rd proper day of the antibiotics, but there doesnt seem to be much improvement apart from less pain, his hand is still very swollen and the skin seems to be cracking and red. I contacted his GP and was told this is normal. Has anyone ever had any similar, if so how long before he should see an improvement?
Sorry to hear about the cellulitis. It could take a good two weeks or so before his hand heals depending on how large the area is and how extensive the infection is. If the pain has decreased, that is a good sign. Also if the redness and swelling has not spead, that's a good sign and is evidence that the antibiotic is working. If the area affected grows larger or you see red streaks branch out from the main area infected, have a spike in fever, or increased pain in the hand report this to the doctor and be sure he is seen and treated aggressivly for the spread (would need IV antibiotics at that point.)
As for the cracking and redness...keep the hand clean and dry. If the cracks are actually open skin (raw, wet, or oozing from the cracks) then the area should be covered with serile gauze to protect it from further infection (to keep bacteria from entering the open areas. The doc would need to decide if any antibiotic cream/ointment should be applied to the open areas as a preventative measure.)
I would imagine you will see more improvement in the next few days as far as the redness and swelling go. As for cracking and peeling...it may look worse before it gets better. All the infected layers of skin will slough off so the peeling could go on for some time. Just keep an eye on it...sounds like you already are. :)
Hope he feels better soon. Take care...
My sister had this problem in her leg after a nasty knock.It took 2 courses of antibiotics to clear it up so it's still early days..............
my friend got cellulitis in her leg and she ended up in hospital a few weeks and needed over a month of work. i dont know how severe your sons is compared to hers but if you are not happy with the information your doctor has supplied i would go get a second opinion. hope he gets better soon.
cellulitis can unfortunately take a long time and a lot of antibiotics to clear up.