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What Is The Treatment For Cellulitis Of The Arm After Axillary Lymph Node Removal?

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Posted on Sat, 15 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 15 Mar 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : My wife had breast cancer, mastectomy and removing some lymph nodes 7yrs ago. Followed by chemo and radiation. Yesterday she started with cellulitis of the arm. She is taking dicloxacillin 500 mg 4x day. Should we wait to see the dr on monday or go to the e.r. tonite, since its the weekend.
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Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer: If there is no high fever then no cause for concer Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Sir Individual who have undergone axillary lymph node removal and radiotherapy do have propensity to develop Lymphoedema. This is due to inadequate drainage of lymphatic fluid from the arm through the axillary nodes. This Lymphoedema may occasionally become infected causing erythema and redness of the arms causing cellulitis. As you have already started her on antibiotics it's very much appreciated. Along with that I would also suggest an anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen. If the following criteria are fulfilled there is no much cause for concern. 1. No high degree fever ( Temperature not more than 100°F ). 2. No chills and rigor associated with fever 3. The arm is not tense with pressure. 4. There is only erythema and little swelling. 5. Mild pain only in the arm. If these criteria are meet, oral antibiotic along with anti inflammatory will suffice. Exact severity of cellulitis will still depend on clinical examination. I would also suggest to keep her arm elevated by placing the arms on two pillow while sleeping. This will also help in decreasing the swelling by gravitational force. I would also suggest you to provide me with clinical photograph of the concerned arm for assessment. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS, MS, MCH Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

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Practicing since :2002

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What Is The Treatment For Cellulitis Of The Arm After Axillary Lymph Node Removal?

Brief Answer: If there is no high fever then no cause for concer Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Sir Individual who have undergone axillary lymph node removal and radiotherapy do have propensity to develop Lymphoedema. This is due to inadequate drainage of lymphatic fluid from the arm through the axillary nodes. This Lymphoedema may occasionally become infected causing erythema and redness of the arms causing cellulitis. As you have already started her on antibiotics it's very much appreciated. Along with that I would also suggest an anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen. If the following criteria are fulfilled there is no much cause for concern. 1. No high degree fever ( Temperature not more than 100°F ). 2. No chills and rigor associated with fever 3. The arm is not tense with pressure. 4. There is only erythema and little swelling. 5. Mild pain only in the arm. If these criteria are meet, oral antibiotic along with anti inflammatory will suffice. Exact severity of cellulitis will still depend on clinical examination. I would also suggest to keep her arm elevated by placing the arms on two pillow while sleeping. This will also help in decreasing the swelling by gravitational force. I would also suggest you to provide me with clinical photograph of the concerned arm for assessment. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS, MS, MCH Consultant Surgeon