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What Could Possibly Be Causing Blisters On Calf Swollen Post Quadruple Bypass ?
Posted on
Sat, 14 May 2011
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 14 May 2011
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : my dad , had a vein removed from his leg when he had a quadruple bypass several years ago . since then his said leg has always been swollen . now at the age of 80 this leg has aquired an amount of blister like spots around his calf . his dr does nt know what it is although he gave him a course of antibiotics and cream . it doesnt seem to bother him . any ideas ????
Hello and thank you for your query.
As far as the leg goes, it's not surprising to see that over time he has this swelling which has developed. Sometimes we give diuretics or water pills to help mobilize some of the fluid out of the swollen leg.
As for the blisters - yes could be infection. It could also be a function of the fluid in the leg which creates what we know as "stasis dermatitis". This can sometimes even cause fluid to accumulate between layers of skin - creating boils or blisters.
As for what to do, I would encourage him to keep his legs elevated when not walking. Also he might consider wearing a stocking on the leg to help facilitate the return of the fluid or edema back to the heart.
If the boils do not improve - I suggest you visit with a wound care specialist who may consider applying special therapeutic wraps to the leg as well.
I hope this has been an adequate and informative response to your query. Thanks again for submitting your question. I am available for your followups.
As far as the leg goes, it's not surprising to see that over time he has this swelling which has developed. Sometimes we give diuretics or water pills to help mobilize some of the fluid out of the swollen leg.
As for the blisters - yes could be infection. It could also be a function of the fluid in the leg which creates what we know as "stasis dermatitis". This can sometimes even cause fluid to accumulate between layers of skin - creating boils or blisters.
As for what to do, I would encourage him to keep his legs elevated when not walking. Also he might consider wearing a stocking on the leg to help facilitate the return of the fluid or edema back to the heart.
If the boils do not improve - I suggest you visit with a wound care specialist who may consider applying special therapeutic wraps to the leg as well.
I hope this has been an adequate and informative response to your query. Thanks again for submitting your question. I am available for your followups.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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