I have large lumps all over my left leg and look like elephant man. Now have smelly pus leaking from underneath them which will not clear.

[gellytot]

The infection is on the skin not beneath but is under the lumps which are attached to the skin by a stalk and then grow outwards and upwards. It is impossible to dry underneath them which I think has caused the skin to rot and caused the infection and pus. They very easily tear away and I bleed like stuck pig so I have to be careful managing them. I don't know what to do now as antibiotic creams don't seem to work and I smell all the time.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Gellyjot - are you under the acre of a dermatologists 0 if not I would suggest that you ask for a referral.

[gellytot in reply to LymphSuppNetwork]

I have seen a Dermatologist and other specialists. They were going to have me in hospital for a week while they sliced off the lumps because they are just growing so fast but my husband was ill when I got an appointment date. I couldn't leave him for that length of time so I had to cancel. He's still ill so I've no idea when I'll get into hospital.

[Lynora]

Where are you gellytot? You must see your GP and get an urgent referral to either a dermatologist, or, at the very least, a Tissue Viability Nurse.

[gellytot in reply to Lynora]

Thanks. I've now seen my GP and diagnosed with cellulitis. It's my fault I didn't go sooner but I've had cellulitis before but never had any pus on my leg.

[Ginsing]

You must go to doctors and get a strong course of antibiotics or penycillin or both asap. Try and get the infection under control you probably need dressing! Let us know how you get on xgins

[gellytot in reply to Ginsing]

Thanks. The cellulitis infection was difficult to get under control so I had to have IV antibiotics. My GP organised the Hospital at Home service for me and a doctor came out for 4 days running to give me IV antibiotics. Much nicer than going into hospital. I have to say I've had brilliant service from the NHS. I live in north Cheshire just over the border with Wirral and they organised the District Nurses every day to dress my leg, a Carer in the morning to help me wash and dress and an OT who gave me pressure cushion, chair risers and a handrail for the front porch, all in a matter of days! I have been very lucky except for the leg which is slow to heal and is still leaking. I won't be so stupid and so slow to get to GP next time although I hope there isn't a 'next time'. Cheers everyone!