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Suggest Treatment For Red Itchy Swelling In The Leg

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Posted on Sat, 23 Jul 2016
Question: i recently acquired a 4 mo. old puppy , who sleeps with me against my legs. I woke this morning with my entire lower legs red,swollen and warm to the touch (cellulitis symptoms);are the two items collected ?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it is possible, if there is bacteria on the pup and any small open lesion

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Redness, increased warmth and swelling are possible symptoms of cellulitis as you mentioned, they can also occur in other settings such as dermatitis (skin is inflamed) or in DVT (usually in the calf area).

Cellulitis would normally occur if there is introduction of the bacteria under the skin.
Dermatitis would occur if the skin comes into contact with a source of irritation, it can progress to cellulitis if the scratching occurs and bacteria is introduced.

If you have even a small open cut or pin prick open area on your skin, it is possible that contact with any bacteria on the pup could enter and cause cellulitis.
If cellulitis is present, you need to consider seeing your doctor for assessment because antibiotics are needed

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Red Itchy Swelling In The Leg

Brief Answer: it is possible, if there is bacteria on the pup and any small open lesion Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Redness, increased warmth and swelling are possible symptoms of cellulitis as you mentioned, they can also occur in other settings such as dermatitis (skin is inflamed) or in DVT (usually in the calf area). Cellulitis would normally occur if there is introduction of the bacteria under the skin. Dermatitis would occur if the skin comes into contact with a source of irritation, it can progress to cellulitis if the scratching occurs and bacteria is introduced. If you have even a small open cut or pin prick open area on your skin, it is possible that contact with any bacteria on the pup could enter and cause cellulitis. If cellulitis is present, you need to consider seeing your doctor for assessment because antibiotics are needed I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions