3 Years Ago I Had Cellulitis From An Injection In

Posted on Sun, 26 May 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 26 May 2019 Answered on

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Question : 3 years ago I had cellulitis from an injection in the buttock. Within a short time I ended up in the hospital in septic shock. Unsure if the two were related as they had to give life saving meds quickly therefore nothing grew in the cultures. Was on a ventilator for several days. Many complications. Fast forward to yesterday. My health is fairly good now. Yesterday I noticed a lump under the skin (probably 1/4-1/2 inch big). It is located about an inch from the original cellulitis. No bruising. Haven’t hit it on anything. Should I be worried about the cellulitis recurring.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cellulitis can reoccur.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I would prefer to see the lump you are currently having.
If the lump you say is infected ( if it hurts, is red, is hot and pulsating) there is a possibility for cellulitis to reoccur.
If it is cellulitis oral antibiotics need to be used as soon as possible because sepsis can reoccur.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (52 minutes later)

It is tender. That’s how I found it. I felt it when I sat down. Now I notice it each time I sit down and that part of me touches the furniture. I will get a pic and upload it.

Thank You!

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be cellulitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I think it can be cellulitis since it is hurting when you sit and is hard.
You can end the picture on YYYY@YYYY .
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (33 minutes later)

My husband said it is not red and doesn’t think it is hot. I am about to attach a picture. The lump is under the skin and has no opening. The red spot to the left is the scar left from the shot location where I had cellulitis in 2016.

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Is not red and not much like cellulitis.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for attaching the picture. It doesn't look much like cellulitis since it is not red and it is not much related to previous cellulitis.
I think it can be folliculitis, inflammation of a hair root.
I believe using antibiotic ointment locally can help to prevent it from spreading and forming cellulitis.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D