Hi all,
I have suffered from lymphoedema in my arm for three years as a result of breast cancer surgery - partial mastectomy- and lymph node clearance. I think I might have acquired cellulitis in my breast. This morning I had a rash which has now developed and looks as if my breast is scalded. My husband will go to collect a two- week supply of antibiotics - when the pharmacy re-opens after lunch. I feel shivery and my temperature is 38.2. Do I take paracetamol and should I keep the sleeve on as my arm doesn’ t seem to be affected. What do I do with the breast?
Many thanks
Cellulitis - candida - cellulitis - candida...
Cellulitis
Cellulitis
Has anyone had cellulitis in their arm
Cellulitis or Sunburn?
Did you have radiotherapy?
Yes, take paracetamol.
If your arm is unaffected, you could leave off the compression.
Wear light clothing/rest. If the breast is hot, put a damp towel or flannel, which has been in the fridge or freezer for a while, over the breast.
Hi Lynora,
Yes, I had radiotherapy about 4 years ago. The arm feels a bit tight at the minute. Do I still leave off the compression sleeve? I have put Savlon on the breast this morning and now E45. I don’t know if that is the correct thing to do. I assume that I don’t do the exercises and self massage. The antibiotics the doctor gave me are Clarithromycin - only one week’s course, so I will have to get another week’s supply. Thank you very much for the advice and the tip about a damp towel.
Give your arm a break and leave off the sleeve until the antibiotics start to do their job. Be kind to yourself - cellulitis should be taken seriously.
Many thanks , Lynora. Will do that
Might be worth downloading the LSN cellulitis guideline document and giving it to the dr (or emailing the link to them if you can). I just tried to paste the link here but doesn’t appear I can. I searched for it in Google though and it came up so give it a go. Also, LSN have a wonderful leaflet available
Thank you for that info, PhoenixLincs.I will do that.
I informed my GP this morning who had a look at the breast and made another appoint for me tomorrow morning to see if there is any improvement. If not, I will be referred to hospital for intravenous antibiotics on a day procedure basis. She seems to be on the ball as she recently had a patient with the same symptoms.