Cellulitis Boil,red,swollen,antibiotics

Posted on Sun, 31 Jul 2011

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

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 Answered on

Sun, 27 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : My 4 year old daughter has a Cellulitis Boil on her inner thigh. She has had it for about six days and her doctor prescribed antibiotics yesterday. It has popped but it's still red and swollen. Is it safe for her to swim in a public salt water pool? Is there any danger to her or others if she were to go swimming?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
A celllulitis boil that has already popped up means all the pus and debris has been removed.
A reddish base is a sign of good healing. Better the blood supply, earlier will be the healing.
Right now I will not recommend her to go to a public salt water swimming pool as the skin is still sore and the salt water might damage the area and there is every chance of getting a superadded infection on the exposed wound.
You should keep the area clean and dry for earlier healing.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)

If I understood your response correctly, I should not let my daughter swim. How long until she can resume swimming in a pool? Thank you....

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (3 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.

Yes, she should avoid swimming in the pool until her lesions heal so that the wound is closed and the chances of infection are decreased.

Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika