What Causes Redness On Knee And Upper Calf?

Posted on Sat, 30 Jan 2016

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

Sat, 30 Jan 2016 Answered on

Mon, 21 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Dear Doctor,

Can you please advise. there a redness area or a discoloration below the knee , upper calf as shown in the photo.

what could this be thank you Doctor.

age 79 , female and 4 months immobile and on no medication.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Eczematous dermatitis due to underlying dry skin

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your question and I have also reviewed the Image.
I can see a dry, red, patch of skin on upper calf. This seems like an Eczematous Dermatitis. I guess it must be itchy?
She may use a moisturiser mixed with an equal proportion (1:1) of a potent topical steroid cream e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream (Tenovate cream), twice daily, for a few days. Topical steroids are prescription medications and should be used under supervision of a dermatologist. I suggest that you talk to a doctor in your vicnity for the needful.
I would also suggest an oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening for symptomatic relief from itching.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 minutes later)

Thank you Doctor, in this instance its definitely not itchy however is extremely painful and the area is hot to touch...thank you for you answer.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Oral antibiotics for a week

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you for additional details.

Pain and associated increased temperature over it suggests an infection of the skin and soft tissue, in this area.
In that case I would suggest for her, a course of an Oral antibiotic e.g Amoxicillin+clavulanate tablet (625 mg), three times daily for a week Or Cephalexin 500 mg, three times daily, for a week
She may also take a tablet of an oral antiinflammatory/ painkiller e.g Ibuprofen, twice daily for a few days.
I would suggest her to apply a topical plain antibiotic cream e.g either mupirocin cream/ ointment, twice daily Or neosporin ointment, twice daly.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (46 hours later)

Thanks Doctor, my suspension is that this is a blood clot forming in its early stage..My mother is not on any medication and as she is sedantary..can you look at this photo and view from another perspective such as dvt formation...as she is immobile will her blood thicken.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Investigate by venography or ultrasonography to confirm this possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, in sedentary patients DVT is a possibility for swelling and redness behind the calf but in case of DVT clinical diagnosis is unreliable. Definitive diagnosis is usually by venography or ultrasonography.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 days later)

Yes Doctor she has DVT, can you pleaseadvise how this is treated.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Anticoagulants

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Patients of DVT should be anticoagulants like warfarin and heparin to prevent serious complications like pulmonary embolism. You need to talk to an internal medicine specialist.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar