Post-Cellulitis Complications: Your Ongoing Symptoms

What are the sequelae of cellulitis?

In May 2021, I suddenly experienced severe pain on the inner side of my left tibia when getting out of bed.
Walking was also very painful.
Initially, I thought it was plantar fasciitis since I had been running a lot in the days prior.
However, when I visited an orthopedic doctor the next day, he suspected it was cellulitis.
After undergoing antibiotic treatment, I gradually recovered.

However, since the onset of the condition, I have felt that I have not fully healed.
Occasionally, the affected area peels, and I experience mild intermittent pain.
Walking also feels somewhat different compared to my right leg.
In the meantime, I consulted an infectious disease specialist and took some antibiotics, and I occasionally went to physical therapy for electrical stimulation and heat treatment.
Recently, I have noticed unexplained recurrent bruising in the affected area, and there is slight tenderness when I press on it.

I am unsure about my current condition.
Should I see an infectious disease specialist again, or should I consult a hematologist regarding the unexplained bruising?

A Xue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/01

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, during the recovery process of cellulitis, it is indeed common for the surface to start peeling, which does not necessarily indicate a lack of improvement.
However, the tissue is more fragile right after recovery, and continued exercise, work, or rehabilitation pressure can cause pain or even bruising in the tissue.
It is advisable to allow the affected area to rest and avoid external stimuli.
As for the likelihood of having a blood disorder, it should be low.
If there is persistent bleeding, it would be advisable to consult a hematologist.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2023/02/01

More Info

It sounds like you have been through quite a challenging experience with your left leg, particularly after the diagnosis of cellulitis. The symptoms you are describing—persistent pain, skin peeling, and unexplained bruising—can be concerning and warrant further evaluation.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can lead to inflammation and swelling in the affected area. While many patients recover fully after treatment with antibiotics, some may experience lingering symptoms or complications. The ongoing pain and skin changes you are experiencing could be a result of several factors related to your previous cellulitis.

1. Post-Inflammatory Changes: After an infection like cellulitis, the skin and underlying tissues may take time to heal completely. This can result in changes such as peeling skin, which is often a sign of the skin's recovery process. The pain you feel could be due to residual inflammation or sensitivity in the area that was previously infected.

2. Nerve Sensitivity: Sometimes, after an infection, the nerves in the affected area can become more sensitive, leading to intermittent pain or discomfort. This phenomenon is known as neuropathic pain, which can occur after any significant injury or infection.

3. Bruising: The unexplained bruising you are experiencing could be due to several reasons. It may be related to minor trauma that you might not have noticed, or it could be a sign of a bleeding disorder, especially if you are noticing it frequently. Bruising can also occur if the blood vessels in the area are still fragile after the inflammation has resolved.

4. Circulatory Issues: Sometimes, infections can lead to changes in blood flow or circulation in the affected limb. If the blood flow is compromised, it can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and bruising.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider. Here are some steps you might consider:
- Infectious Disease Specialist: Since you have a history of cellulitis, it may be beneficial to consult with an infectious disease specialist again. They can evaluate whether there is any ongoing infection or if the symptoms are related to the previous infection.

- Hematologist: If the bruising continues or worsens, seeing a hematologist could be important to rule out any underlying bleeding disorders or clotting issues. They can perform tests to assess your blood's ability to clot properly.

- Physical Therapy: If you haven't already, consider continuing physical therapy or rehabilitation. A physical therapist can help you regain strength and mobility in your leg, which may alleviate some of the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

- Pain Management: Discussing pain management options with your primary care physician or a pain specialist may also be beneficial. They can provide strategies to help manage your pain effectively.

In summary, while some lingering symptoms after cellulitis can be normal, the combination of ongoing pain, skin changes, and unexplained bruising should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can provide a thorough assessment and guide you on the appropriate next steps for your recovery. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Recovery, and Ongoing Concerns

Hello Doctor, Last month on the 9th, I was diagnosed with cellulitis. After surgical treatment, there has been improvement, and the swollen area has returned to its original size. However, there is still some localized redness, and when I elevate my leg, the temperature feels a...

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery
Hello! If you have a wound, please clean it daily on your own, avoid contact with tap water, and keep your foot elevated. If there is still no progress, please return for a follow-up appointment. Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Understanding Cellulitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Concerns

Hello, doctor. Last Wednesday, I bumped my hand and it swelled up. On Thursday, I went to the hospital for an examination and was diagnosed with cellulitis. They performed an incision and drainage, and I have been taking antibiotics daily. The wound has been almost painless these...

Dr. Chen Ronghong reply Surgery
Hello Ashu, in patients with cellulitis accompanied by systemic symptoms, the originally inflamed area typically continues to exhibit redness, swelling, heat, and pain, with an expanding range. Systemic symptoms may include fever, tachycardia, and altered consciousness. You menti...

Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms

I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. However, I have b...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...

Effective Post-Treatment Strategies for Wounds After Cellulitis

If you have a wound left from cellulitis, how should it be treated?

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Surgery
Cellulitis is usually caused by wound infections (redness, swelling, heat, and pain). After treatment, which includes incision and drainage as well as antibiotics, the redness and swelling subside, and the wound heals. Sometimes, it may recur; if it recurs frequently, considerati...