What is cellulitis and how can I protect myself?

Learn about cellulitis in this episode of The Recovery Room so you can stay out of the emergency room and urgent care! Join Dr. Leslie Waltke to learn what cellulitis is, why it is dangerous, how to reduce your risk of getting it and what to do if you notice it.

[@bigjjuice1965]

My dad got it from his hospital stay, His hand was swollen at the site where they had took blood when they sent him home and said it wasn't anything to be concerned about, Now its up past his elbow and he is back in the hospital and they say it is cellulitis.

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Sorry to hear this! Wishing you and your dad well!!!

[@bigjjuice1965]

@@therecoveryroom2198 Thank you.

[@amandawaters5041]

I got diagnosed with cellulitis in the right hand and wrist last night at the er but today it's way worse and extremely painful I also now have a red ring in the palm of my right hand

[@valjv5191]

This is the best description to cellulitis that I have found! Thank you!!!

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Thanks for your feedback, appreciated!!

[@texasbandera7320]

Thank you so much for making this video! I take care of my 92 year old Mother and she has Cellulitis! The Doctor had trouble diagnosing it last time she had it even though her upper arm was blood red and looked horrible! Now it’s back and I’m trying to figure out what to do! Her doctor is a teacher at Texas Tech and never has time to see her patients! It is so frustrating!

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Sorry things have been so frustrating for you and your mom! Hope you get help and answers soon!

[@khaleesisnow1683]

🙏🙏

[@wabbitnred3609]

I had severe cellulitis in both kegs from my toes to my groin. It took 4 trips to the emergency room, 5 doctors and 1 nurse, who figured it out... Never under estimate the knowledge of Nurses.!!!!

[@justacherry4406]

currently on oral antibiotics for an abscess with peripheral cellulitis, this video was very informative! thank you :)

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Yikes, Just A Cherry - hope you feel better soon! We appreciate your feedback!

[@trishthompson8573]

I just got out of the hospital with cellulitis. This is the third time it happened. The first 2 times was on a butt cheek and this last time was on my lower back. I have all my lymph nodes and no visible cuts. They don’t know why it keeps happening. It’s terribly painful.

[@therecoveryroom2198]

That sounds terrible, Trish! Ask your docs if you should go to an infectious disease specialist…

[@geulahdreamscometrue6610]

@@therecoveryroom2198 a holistic practitioner would be your BEST option. Listen to Dr. Axe, Dr John Bergman, Dr. Eric berg, Deanna Hansen, and there are TONS more who have RUN from the broken and destructive medical establishment that keeps feeding you destructive drugs.

[@williammills8953]

Did yours itch really badly. I have it on the back of both of my legs. My left one is way worse.

[@khaleesisnow1683]

🙏🙏

[@wabbitnred3609]

I have a similar issue. No cuts no abrasions, etc but I've had cellulitis 3 times in 1 year ??

[@bobbarker4255]

Thank you

[@callemike5684]

I remember one time I had AntiRabies shot in my Right Leg. After 3 days, the area became red and swelling. At first, I thought it was just a rash but a day after, the swelling grew larger. I didnt paid much attention to it until the third day, the area was totally swollen, red, hot to the touch and painful! The redness also spread. I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Cellulitis. Was prescribed some powerful antibiotics (the doctor said it has already spread). The medication took around a week until the infection went away. So glad that i decided to have it chrcked!

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Yes, glad all turned out ok!!!

[@jameslight8746]

Having Shingles Herpes Virus (HSV1&2) is not the end of life , I got cured after using Doctor Ani John herbal supplement within 14days...

[@dinosman5232]

Thank you Dr for the valuable advice. Luv from Adelaide

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Thanks Adelaide!

[@chubbymendoza2844]

I was put in for 13 days for iv and the pain is un bearable I had blisters how long does this last any other reason why it keeps coming back 3 times in 8 years I'm glad I came across this

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Sorry this is happening to you! If you’ve had lymph nodes removed (they don’t grow back) you can get recurrent infections over the years. Talk with your doc about keeping a prescription for antibiotics at home so at the first signs you can call a pharmacy. Also ask your doc if it would be beneficial to see an infectious disease doctor. Best wishes!

[@chrisakane9840]

@@therecoveryroom2198 i had cellulitis with abscess in my pelvic area a month ago (sept) and they gave me medication for it. It went away but it came back now under my stomach. But i don't understand I don't have cuts scraps bites or burns anything. I take a bath every day? I mean I'm diabetic? Or sometimes i wet my bed could that be it? But i clean my bed. And even got a new mattress. Or is it my medications? I take lisinopril and metformin. I've never had this cellulitis problem before until this yr 2021.

[@abdulmatin6989]

Mh left leg swolen and made scar. Some times blood oozing from there. Doctor says it is celulities. He gave amoxicillkn. But still not going. I feel compressive pain and scar in the lleg not recovering

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Call your doctor back and let them know your symptoms!

[@abdulmatin6989]

I was released from hospital without curing cellulitirs. My family physician prescribed ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. It cured me in 15 days

[@PMChannel.]

Exceptional video pesentation. Extremely informative and too the point. I had a wound that took some time to heal. I noticed the redness and the change in skin. I didn't realize what it was. I recently had a CT scan and it showed lymph nodes in the groin. After research I found the two could be connected. Have appointments coming up to confirm. Thank you so much.

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hey @PMChannel, thanks for your feedback. You are correct, infections can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Best wishes to you!

[@PMChannel.]

@@therecoveryroom2198 Thank you for your response. Appreciated.😇😇

[@cikpuanmala]

My mum just passed away from cellulitis infection on her legth & ankle, 2 days before death, she tooks antibiotics but seem doesnt work, breathless suddenly, maybe late hospital treatment, quite fast within 1 week only😢😢

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Ohhhh, I am so sorry to hear about your mum! Thinking of you and sending you a big hug!

[@cikpuanmala]

@@therecoveryroom2198 thank you for the thought , in fact until now i was thinking this cellulitis is a common decease, is it because of scratch or stray cat infection, my mum did adopt stray cat before she died.

[@terrysadlier8456]

Have it in my foot right now. I can't put any pressure on my foot, though it was a tendon issue but a slight redness in my skin about 2 or 3 days in so went to the doctors and they have me on flucloxacillin 🤞 it clears up😬

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Glad you’re on meds, Terry! Hope all is better soon!!!!

[@rogerweir1772]

Ive had cellulitis 3 times twice in my right and at the very moment in my left...I dont have any problems with lympnodes...I have been on IV antibiotics...

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hey Roger, if you keep getting cellulitis for unknown reasons, talk with your physician about getting you in to see an infectious disease specialist. Best wishes!

[@ronniekingdagreat.4355]

Nice lecture

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Thank you, Ronnie!

[@carmencitadavis9043]

I've never had anything removed from any part of my body and the doctors still diagnose me with cellulitis for my left leg after doing multiple tests and x-rays and blood testing on my leg I had to stay in the hospital for 5 days on antibiotics injection and they gave me some antibiotic pills to take for a whole month, and some ointment cream for the pain when I was released from the hospital

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hello Carmencita! Cellulitis can happen to people who have not had any surgery. Sometimes the cause is never found. Best wishes to you in your continued healing!

[@williammills8953]

​@The Recovery Room I haven't had my lymphnodes removed. I have it both my legs. On the back of my lower legs. My right leg has healed. But my left leg has leakage from the wound. Because it got so itchy, I couldn't help to stop itching. I've had this for about 2/3 months now. How long can it take to heal? I can't wear my left shoe, become my foot is swollen and also infected.

[@yuvanmaniam-dt6ig]

I had cellulitis on my left leg after did my MRI test..Dr gave me antibiotics in injections, once discharging and almost 3 weeks im taking orally cefixime antibiotics..looks late to recover....any advice pls

[@Greencloud8]

I was told by the person w cellulitis that skin is shedding off. I’m not sure if this is good or bad or what! I think he described it as kind of raw My cousin who is a foot doctor said depends on if it’s red swollen and draining

[@HappyLife-vh2ey]

Is soaking in epson salt helpful ? If so warm water and how much , ty

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi ! Soaking in Epson salt is unlikely to be beneficial to cellulitis. Please check in with your physician to find out what’s best for what’s going on with you. Best wishes to you!

[@DD20248]

I got it.im on antibiotics iv and oral.

[@Solongarnet]

Thank u . My mom suffered cellulitis for almost two years now.. Though no puss or yellow liquid on the wound but she cant sleep at night due to swelling on the holes and even on the part that had just healed..doctor gave cifrolaxin only..but doesnt get away the pain and swellong..pls tell me what to do? I pity her..was her medication lacking? should there other meds aside from cifro or should that cifro be replaced with higher and more effective dose.?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi Sakuri. I would recommend she talk with her doctor again and ask about either a wound care specialist or an infectious disease doctor consult. After that a physical therapist would also be a good thing. Best wishes to you both!

[@marcanthonymartinez5772]

I've learned a lot from this bacteria

[@aautumnindigoamore]

What would you say about it I’m new to it

[@joeu88]

What are the best antibiotics to treat? Should they be broad spectrum?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi @joeu88 ! Your question is best answered by an MD, NP or pharmacist. Best wishes to you!

[@wabbitnred3609]

Holy crap !

[@SaucyYeeks]

2 hospitals just to be sent home. I cant live like this

[@rebel-1996]

Hang in there bro. I know... this shit sucks. Mine is in the outer ear.

[@kath5201]

Thanks for a great video - Doctors are not available around here. all we get are those fancy nurses. I treat myself a lot of times. Go to urgent care for stitch\splint\antibiotics. PRN. Have Vet Tech training

[@arpgnjei]

I have cellulitis right now in my left face due to toothache 😭 and my doctor just gave me antibiotic they even change its dosage already to a higher strength but no improvement still 😭 and it feels like the swollen is going up my eyes now 😭😭😭 help me. I dont know what to do anymore. My dentist wont remove the infected teeth unless the cellulitis stop

[@sallysettles2255]

Heard the same thing from cardiovascular I have cellutis on lower legs card says he can't help till it heals I ve had it ever since I I was in hospital. Didn't have it when I went in there!!😢

[@marianneforeman1394]

Is getting a cut, puncture, burn, and the other things you mentioned the only way to get cellulitis? Or can you simply wake up one day and have it?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi Marianne! Yes, cellulitis can develop without any identifiable break in the skin.

[@marianneforeman1394]

@@therecoveryroom2198 Thanks for the info! I'll have to watch for that.

[@youllbeblessed]

Can you help me with this. I first got it on the left side of my face in January. Last month, on the right side of my face with a swollen lymph node in my neck. So very sore. What tests can I get done?

[@youllbeblessed]

PS.... No breaks in the skin found. Thank you

[@nech9644]

Okey so what if you never had any nodes removed and I have this on my back. I did go to the ER 12/8/23 and had it drained. It is very pain full still. Iam on antibiotics and pain meds but the pain is unbearable at times mainly on my back.

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hey @nech9644, sorry you are hurting! You can get cellulitis without having lymph nodes removed. Stay on the antibiotics as prescribed, and call the prescribing doc and/or your PCP and let them know how much pain you are is so they can get you the pain relief you need!

[@nech9644]

🙏🏽: Thanks.. so much

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@nech9644 best wishes on your continued recovery!

[@karlmazo9640]

I need your help. My mom had cellulitis on her legs and we got out of the hospital after 3 days of treating it with IV antibiotics. She is taking oral antibiotic for 7 days and it got extended by her doctor since it's still kinda red and she can feel pain. Today is her 4th day for the 5 day extension of oral antibiotic but she still feels the same. Her leg is still painful and the redness from before is getting reder. What should we do?? 😔

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Sorry to hear this, Karl and I’m sorry your mom doesn’t feel well. I’m glad she has you. I would suggest talking with her prescribing doctor about a infectious disease or dermatology consult. Best wishes.

[@karlmazo9640]

We will go visit her doctor this afternoon. I really do hope that my mom goes well asap. This makes me worry too much. Thanks you and Good Luck with your channel!

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@karlmazo9640 thank you, Karl. Best wishes!

[@malayzzz]

same w me i experience Cellulitis...i admit in the hospital for 3 days and treating it with IV antibiotomics.After that 7 days oral antibiotics..It's better no more redness,pain,color purple.But a little swollen.Hoping and Praying become better...

[@karlmazo9640]

@@malayzzz we had a second opinion from a doctor we knew and she was treated again with an IV antibiotic upon consultation. Then, she was given a different oral antibiotics. The doctor said that the anyibiotic given to her was incorrect that is why it went back. She is fine now although her leg still have some marks like black bruise.

[@TheArtisticFox2]

I wanna know is it normal for it to look like a giant scab after the blisters opened up and started weeping a yellowish fluid

[@therecoveryroom2198]

I recommend you talk with your doctor about this!

[@arbi2225]

I've cured the cellulitis after 3 weeks of cephalexin antibiitics. However, the skin is still red from heel to knee. I'm otherwise healthy. All the excess dry skin was was cleared at the sound care.clinic . The redness though hasn t gone away after 6 weeks

[@arbi2225]

I guess my question is will the redness go away?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@arbi2225 It should. Keep in touch with the doc that prescribed the cephalexin.

[@vmhgiveaways_]

I had last month my skin already peeled off I can walk now but the redness is still there

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Make sure you keep your physician aware of your symptoms. Best wishes to you, nomas706!

[@Greencloud8]

What kind of peeling off How are you how did you find solutions

[@youllbeblessed]

What about cellulitis on your face... One side or the other.

[@havanadaurcy1321]

I have a mother who has had lymph nodes removed from her collarbone (stage III breast cancer) so wondering if she still can get Cellulitis.

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi Havana! - sorry I am jus seeing your question now. From the info you are providing, it appears as if her arm would be at an elevated risk of cellulitis. Best wishes to you and your mom!

[@cashking8056]

what happens if the redness spreads after 3 days of antibiotics?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Call your physician ASAP!

[@Snowiesphotography]

My 18 year old son just dealt with cellulitis but we aren’t sure how he got it.....he has all lymph nodes and there was no cut/wound and it was on his foot. He did the IV treatment and today might be his last dose of oral antibiotics so yay for that...his foot and leg are still red which we were told was normal but my question is....if there’s no reason for him to get it (meaning lymph nodes still there and no wound) could diabetes cause this in a normal healthy 18 year old?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi Snowies! Yes, sometimes cellulitis can happen without ever knowing where it actually came from! I hope your son gets to be done soon with his IV antibiotics! Best wishes!

[@Snowiesphotography]

@@therecoveryroom2198 okay thanks 😊

[@arbi2225]

Hi there just curious if your son's redness ever went away? I've had cellulitis 6 weeks ago and still have red door from the to below knee

[@arbi2225]

Meant red leg not red door

[@Snowiesphotography]

@@arbi2225 yes it all went away…don’t know if it was due to him catching it quickly…when we went to the hospital he only had a small pink spot on his foot by the time we left the hospital later that night it started spreading up his leg and continued spreading until it almost hit his knee and it stopped…but by that time he already had a couple doses of medicine through the IV…and he had to be on an IV for 7 days and then another week of oral antibiotics…if you have concerns I would suggest heading back to the dr 🥺

[@mickyovts3872]

Doctor noticed your active In the comments, so I'm asking for some help please... I got diagnosed with this a couple weeks ago, had 2 courses of antibiotics(2 weeks worth) and it went down, its came back faster again this time around..I called into doctors just before it had really turned red and he said apply a moisturizer he prescribed, couldn't make it to the chemist so used a different moisturizer, 2 days after seeing him it had really taken ahold, went back in to see him and he said because I hadn't used his that he prescribed, I had caused the infection...even though I told him that it was coming and I wanted a course of antibiotics before it had really taken ahold, now he has issued me really strong antibiotics and cream...is he right or wrong in saying using a different moisturizer has caused the infection, or did he misdiagnose me in the first place, and instead of cream he should have given me the antibiotics ?? I'm so frustrated as he blamed me for this even though I told him this was coming....again, I can't trust my doctor now

[@jameslight8746]

Having Shingles Herpes Virus (HSV1&2) is not the end of life , I got cured after using Doctor Ani John herbal supplement within 14days...

[@richricogranada9647]

Why don’t you mention the right antibiotic? The PA gave me the cephalexin, which did nothing for me.

[@cjhaytv9989]

Doc i need you help because i have Cellulitis in my Left feat 4 day ago

[@therecoveryroom2198]

You should call your doctor right away or go to urgent care.

[@brendapadilla6286]

hi Dr my grandma has it but she has terable pain her legs when it will go away she has 11 dias came out hospital she stared her brest very red and between legs but she got the hospital gave her medicine bye the day it when away but she crazys she get pain super hard she stop medicen her lip got like blister big what idveces u can give me make me sad to see her hard pains her legs when it will go away

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Hi Brenda! You should call your grandmother’s doctor with these questions. I hope she feels better soon!

[@maudeagrinnel7521]

Can you get celutitus if you had nothing removed

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Yes, less possible. But possible.

[@maudeagrinnel7521]

@@therecoveryroom2198 I was in hospital for 5 days o iv antibiotics they called it cellulitis

[@stacyfreeman6278]

I had burn on my chin I bothered now my jaw an face is so swollen n has almost closed my throat up . It's getting bigger n the burn cuts now is growing bigger. I'm so scared my mom has it on her leg with mersa n now she's losing her leg after 8years later

[@therecoveryroom2198]

If you haven’t yet Stacy, I recommend you call your doctor to have it looked at. They’ll know what to do!

[@stacyfreeman6278]

@@therecoveryroom2198 it's mersa n cellulitis

[@stacyfreeman6278]

@@therecoveryroom2198 I have 15 bags of antibiotics pumped through me it's draining now but a huge hole

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@stacyfreeman6278 Best wishes, hang in there!

[@TheFKD24]

I'm scared the swelling went down purple spot got bigger. It's like the antibiotics pushed the infection to one point

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Keep in touch with your doc, Joey so they know what’s going on with you. They can provide you guidance!

[@yuvanmaniam-dt6ig]

@@therecoveryroom2198 what type of antibiotics can recover pls

[@acinfla9615]

Got it from fire ants! Probably hundreds of bites! Finally went to doctor today and they gave me cephalexin ? No pain just swollen and purple 😂

[@therecoveryroom2198]

Yikes, that sounds terrible! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Hope you are recovering well and hoping the cephalexin did the job!

[@acinfla9615]

@@therecoveryroom2198 I was good to go in a few days 👍 Never had a reaction like that before so I was kinda freaked out and it looked horrible ☹️ Thank you for the reply 😊

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@acinfla9615 I imagine that had to have been quite distressing, glad all turned out well!

[@paterickson461]

So what causes this in your face?

[@therecoveryroom2198]

The cause of cellulitis is not always known. You should definitely talk with your MD or check with urgent care if you have not already.

[@paterickson461]

@@therecoveryroom2198 I had it in 2019, the dr said it was a sinus infection gone very bad

[@therecoveryroom2198]

@@paterickson461 yikes, sounds awful!

[@paterickson461]

@@therecoveryroom2198 when I presented to the ER they went into septic protocol. Said if I would have waited one more day I could’ve lost my sight. Started me on IV and I was in the hospital for three days.

[@rebel-1996]

I have mine in the outer ear idk if these oral anti biotic are working.... if I do go to the ER. How long am I going to be in bed for??? I have work tomorrow... excuse my French Yall. This shit sucks

[@marthiemeyer8122]

Sculp

[@Jinka1950]

Thank you

[@therecoveryroom2198]

You are very welcome, Jinka!!!