Suggest Treatment For Rash And Swelling On The Calf

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

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

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I am a 53 year old female, I recently began having trouble with swelling in my right calf, the area is hot with a reddish rash, and when I press on the swelled area, the indentations from my fingers stay on the area for several minutes. Keeping my leg elevated helps with the swelling but the heat, redness remain. I have numerous health issues including diabetes 2 and cirrhosis. I am an alcoholic in recovery and nearly died a year ago from an internal bleed from a duct in my liver. I was in kidney failure and now take many meds, also a candidate for a liver transplant. I see a doctor every month, but have several other specialists I see regularly. I had grotesque swelling in my legs and feet during the 3 months in the hospital which have left me with neuropathy so severe I cannot wear socks or shoes; walking is nearly impossible. I get bloodwork done regularly and although my numbers are a bit high, I manage my diabetes with oral meds. I have an appt with my doctor in 10 days, but wondering if I should go to ER due to this swelling which started about 6 days ago.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please visit ER ASAP.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

I have read the full history provided by you and about the present problem of swelling in the right calf which is hot, reddish and indents on pressure.
With this condition I would advise you to visit ER as soon as possible as this is indicative of an active infection.
In view of your known conditions of diabetes, cirrhosis, neuralgia this infection can lead to serious side effects too, can increase blood sugar, can cause septicemia and further complications.

You need to have detailed blood investigations for CBC/ WBC, Sugar, urea, creatinine, liver function tests as others as may be needed as per your old history and present condition on clinical examination by the Doctor, examination of the swelling, aspiration under ultrasonography guidance if the pus is present for testing it for gram staining, culture and sensitivity.

You need to be started on suitable antibiotic and symptomatic and supportive treatment ASAP as it is already 6 days.

I hope this answer helps to get a proper clinical diagnosis and proper treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari