HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Will Acute Cellulitis Cause Skin Color Change?

I have been diagnosed with acute cellulitis and my leg went from a bright red to angry purple, which has been seen by a doctor. I have been prescribed antibiotics for this, but i am scared. Will my leg stay purple forever or is there a chance it will turn black and my skin will fall off.
Wed, 11 Jun 2014
Report Abuse
Dermatologist 's  Response
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

Cellulitis is bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissue. Since it is a deeper infection and can extend under the skin over large areas, the signs of inflammation can be delayed. These can redness, congestion due to swelling giving rise to purplish hue, warmth, tenderness etc

The best way to approach is to start on oral Or preferable IV antibiotics, as in your case, to bring about rapid control of infection and the signs of inflammation

Once the antibiotics take over the infection, the signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, congestion, warmth and tenderness would gradually resolve and your skin would return back to normal.

There might be some post-inflammatory desquamation/peeling which would subside by itself or can be benefited by applying a moisturiser.

Regards
I find this answer helpful

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Cellulitis


Loading Online Doctors....
Will Acute Cellulitis Cause Skin Color Change?

Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic Cellulitis is bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissue. Since it is a deeper infection and can extend under the skin over large areas, the signs of inflammation can be delayed. These can redness, congestion due to swelling giving rise to purplish hue, warmth, tenderness etc The best way to approach is to start on oral Or preferable IV antibiotics, as in your case, to bring about rapid control of infection and the signs of inflammation Once the antibiotics take over the infection, the signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, congestion, warmth and tenderness would gradually resolve and your skin would return back to normal. There might be some post-inflammatory desquamation/peeling which would subside by itself or can be benefited by applying a moisturiser. Regards