Staph infection difficult to eradicate

December 17, 2012 By

Q: I recently had my fourth bout of cellulitis. I believe the first occurrence came about as the result of our dog scratching my leg. The week it first occurred was also a very stressful one and I came down with a cold just prior to it manifesting itself. I then got it twice within the next twelve months. I just recently got it again right before a trip to Europe.

I was given ciprofloxacin each time which kept it in check but which has obviously not gotten to the root of the problem. Where should I turn to try and get rid of this recurring problem? Also, does stress and a compromised immune system contribute to this recurring?

A: Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can occur when one of several forms of bacteria enter a crack or break in the skin. The two most common types of [Read more...]

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Cellulitis overview

July 21, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I would like more information on cellulitis. What is affected by this, and what I should do about it.

DEAR READER: Bacteria can enter the body easily through breaks in the skin, insect bites and skin ulcers. Skin can split because of lymphedema, eczema, shingles, chickenpox, IV drug use and athlete’s foot — leading to an increased risk for bacteria to enter.

Cellulitis is a skin infection commonly caused by the staphylococcus or streptococcus bacterium. There is an increasing number of cases of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and it is becoming a common cause of cellulitis. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

April 21, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am writing on behalf of my sister. She has been suffering from a condition on her legs for several years. At first she was told it was cellulitis. She was treated with IV antibiotics in hospital for a few days but it didn’t help. Then her doctor told her it was lichen planus. She has tried every medication prescribed but nothing helps.

At times her legs get completely red and look very inflamed. Then they turn dark. I am afraid she will get gangrene and have to have her legs amputated. She is not a diabetic but she has a liver condition and has or has had hepatitis C.

Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
Cellulitis is an inflammation of the connective tissues of the skin caused by infection.

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Cellulitis Needs Follow-Up

December 25, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 91-year-old female who would like to find out all I can about cellulitis. I’m hoping you can help me with whatever you know about this very painful, distressing condition.

It has reared its ugly head several times during the past few years. Once I ended up spending several days in the hospital. This was preceded by a high fever and chills. Many times I’d awaken with my clothes wet from the fever having broken. Another time a lump started forming on my right thumb knuckle. The area got red, sore, and looked like a big boil.

Still another time my right hand and fingers swelled up, only to subside with antibiotics. At times my eye swells and my lips are affected. In fact, my lower lip is now covered with thick, heavy crusted scabs that burn and itch.

I can’t see a doctor for almost a month and am at my wits’ end. [Read more...]

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