Suggest Treatment For Redness And Peeling Of Skin On Legs Despite Having Antibiotics For Cellulitis

Posted on Sat, 3 Jan 2015

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

Sat, 3 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : 52 year old male, 5'11", 185lbs,good health,take no medication,no allergies, pipe smoker, light alcohol consumption, welder. Cellulitis on back of knee/leg. Large area, width of leg x 9"length. 3 days ago received IM antibiotic and Rx for Bactrim ds BID (mom was a nurse) Redness and oozing(clear fluid) rapidly decreasing but outer layer of skin is dry and peeling in large scales.
QUESTION: Leave area alone(other than cleansing during shower with soap and water) or should I apply ointment.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Apply Liquid (Solution) Povidone Iodine 4 times a day

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

Read and understood you history of a large patch of cellulitis as explained by you. Redness and oozing rapidly decreasing- outer layer of the skin is dry and peeling in large scales- taking treatment.

As for your question: The best way is to apply Liquid Povidone Iodine to the whole area and the surrounding parts. This will help you in sterilizing the whole area, so that the infection from outer source is reduced to the large extent. Try to do this 3 to 4 times a day.
Continue your treatment.
It may be a better idea to consult a Doctor.

I hope this answer helps you.

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