Rash

[jaqi1]

Hiya I have a red rash on my shin it's warm to touch and I just feel itchy all over. Any ideas please

[Tillytop]

Hello,

I'm not on here much at the moment but just saw your message and wondered could it perhaps be cellulitis?

I may be completely wrong but I have recurrent cellulitis in my lower leg/foot and know that it ALWAYS needs prompt treatment with antibiotics. (It is an infection of the deeper layers of skin and can be very nasty if it spreads).

If you Google a reliable website - here is a link to NHS Choicesnhs.uk/conditions/Celluliti...

You can see more information. Please don't panic though about the complications it mentions - I have had cellulitis many times when very immune suppressed from meds and although it can be hard to shift I have never had serious complications from it.

If you do think it may be cellulitis, you will need to contact your GP asap and if you think it is spreading, then please don't wait until the morning, call out of hours and tell them you think you have cellulitis and make sure they know if you are taking RA meds which can suppress your immune system and mean that you may not have the "usually recognised" signs like a high temperature or signficant pain.

My advice would be to - carefully - draw round the affected area so you can see quickly if the red area is getting larger. Drawing round the area is usually the first thing the docs do but if you can't or would rather not, take a photo of it if you can every little while so you have something to compare and to show the docs.

Really good luck and hope you get it sorted soon.

Kind wishes,

Tillyxxx