Can cellulitis infection be very mild?: I have weird... - LSN

LSN

5,696 members2,633 posts

Can cellulitis infection be very mild?

ulverin profile image
7 Replies

I have weird redness in my skin, especially after shower. It looks like a rash but it comes and goes. I don't have a fever, but I do experience chills and tingling sensation in lymphedema parts. With this mild symptoms, I don't suppose a trip to a doctor would be much of help. They'll think I'm hypochondriac with such mild symptoms and there is no blood test for cellulitis. have an appointment for a specialist but I'll be seeing them in December - they probably aren't able to see me faster, I asked.

What do you think? Can it be mild cellulitis or just some other rash?

I'm even wondering if I should just start antibiotics by myself to see what happens!

Written by
ulverin profile image
ulverin
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
Lynora profile image
Lynora

Is the shower water hot? Are you causing friction (rubbing) on the skin where you notice the redness? If the redness disappears after the shower, it is very unlikely to be cellulitis. Mention it to the specialist at your appointment.

ulverin profile image
ulverin in reply to Lynora

Thank you! I think there is some redness when nothing is wrong. Especially after warm water, it is red. Maybe it's not infection, I don't have fever anyways.

CCT67 profile image
CCT67

I've had a few episodes of mild Cellulitis (mild meaning I didn't have to go Hospital for intravenous antibiotics) which cleared after 2 weeks on oral antibiotics. The redness and skin heat of cellulitis does not come and go depending on an activity or shower. The GP would treat for Cellulitis no matter how mild (not think you're a hypochondriac) but it doesn't sound like cellulitis. A blood test is not usually needed to diagnose cellulitis it's presentation and other sysmptoms usually makes it obvious what it is. I'm my case my groin nodes blew up (one grew to the size of a pear!) before the redness, pain, heat and temperature set in.

Hi Ulverin, it doesn't sound like cellulitis. There can be many reasons for rashes. If it is just with the showering, I would lower the temperature of the water, dry the skin gently, and use a hypoallergenic cleanser versus soap with lots of additives and perfumes. And also make sure the towel you are using is soft and has been rinsed well (no soap in the towel). I've met someone who had terrible rashes after their shower. They had started using a new laundry detergent which they were reacting to. Of course, if you are worried about the rash, check with your doctor.

Maybe your Lymphoedema doesn't like whatever products you are using in the shower ?

I use only the mildest, gentlest products otherwise my skin reacts, especially those areas with Lymphoedema.

Personally I would take a photograph of the rash and ask my GP about it.

grannydoug profile image
grannydoug

If you're worried there is nothing wrong with seeing your GP now. I had a mild rash on my arm earlier this year - looked a bit like a nettle rash with red, raised almost parallel lines. Discovered in shower. GP put me on antibiotics for a week. Rang lymphodoema clinic and they said the protocol is for 2 weeks. So doc extended to 2 weeks. Nothing is lost by following it through. Hope all goes well for you.

grannydoug profile image
grannydoug

Ps the rash was on my affected lympho arm I meant to say!

You may also like...

Cellulitis - candida - cellulitis - candida...

candida due to antibiotic overuse (which is difficult to avoid when you get cellulitis) that all...

Cellulitis or Sunburn?

wondering how quickly cellulitis rash happens and what are the exact symptoms?

Cellulitis or not!!!!

to my Doc who has prescribed Antibiotics. She said it could be cellulitis. Never had it before,no...

Cellulitis in Breast?

clearance. I think I might have acquired cellulitis in my breast. This morning I had a rash which...

Cellulitis

they cannot understand the pain that cellulitis can cause. I'm supposed to be in work tomorrow and...