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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can An Open Wound On The Leg Be Treated?

I have an open spot on my leg and I am concerned for it being cellulitis. I have had it before. I have been putting antibiotic ointment on it, letting it open during the day and at night I will put a gauze pad on it with ointment. I have had cellulitis before and I am concerned as to the possibility of being that
Thu, 2 Nov 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
An ulcer in the leg is a portal for bacterial entry and can cause cellulitis. In cellulitis, there is pain, swelling, redness of the leg, with discomfort during walking. If you do have cellulitis, the most important part of the management is to give as much rest as is possible to the leg, till complete resolution of infection. Please keep the leg elevated while seated, on another chair or a stool. While in bed it is good to keep the leg elevated with a pillow under the calf area. This will reduce swelling, and facilitate healing of inflammation. You may have to take antibiotics, if the inflammation does not resolve in 48 hours. You would have to consult a general surgeon, who after examination, will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. The ulcer should be kept dressed with either neosporin or mupirocin ointment. This will prevent re-introduction of bacteria into the tissues and recurrent cellulitis.
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How Can An Open Wound On The Leg Be Treated?

An ulcer in the leg is a portal for bacterial entry and can cause cellulitis. In cellulitis, there is pain, swelling, redness of the leg, with discomfort during walking. If you do have cellulitis, the most important part of the management is to give as much rest as is possible to the leg, till complete resolution of infection. Please keep the leg elevated while seated, on another chair or a stool. While in bed it is good to keep the leg elevated with a pillow under the calf area. This will reduce swelling, and facilitate healing of inflammation. You may have to take antibiotics, if the inflammation does not resolve in 48 hours. You would have to consult a general surgeon, who after examination, will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic. The ulcer should be kept dressed with either neosporin or mupirocin ointment. This will prevent re-introduction of bacteria into the tissues and recurrent cellulitis.