Cellulitis epidemic got me too

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited June 2012

    Kira: I hear you on the armpit jeopardy: I am sure it was the cause of one of my past cellulitis issues. I use an electric and have now been:

    Washing armpit with Dial first

    Soaking electric razor head in peroxide for a while before the shave

    Using a wet/dry razor , ALWAYS WET and ALWAYS with shaving cream. This is key . Every dang time I use soap there is redness. And I do not try to get too close. I follow up with a teeny, tiny 1/4" mustache trimmer for any rogue hairs left behind,and resolve not to do the wave over much or swing on monkey bars. The days of the super smooth pit are over for me...Not evolved enough to let 'em really go rogue a la 1980's madonna---just not that gal!

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Kathy, hope you find a great therapist nearby. How exciting about a becoming a grandmother--congratulations!

    Moogie: when I think about what was going on during the course--I was using an older blade razor and had a bumpy rash, and meant to put antibiotic cream on it, but forgot....And total strangers, with not so clean hands, were doing MLD on me...And I was feeling the need to be "presentable"

    Your description of how to shave safely is great! We've got to add that to the SUSO page, if it's okay with you. I'm putting it in my bathroom...

    Thanks!

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  • moogie
    moogie Member Posts: 499
    edited June 2012

    I would be honored and pleased to be the spokeswoman for happy armpits.

    Long live the tank top!

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  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited June 2012

    Happy armpits, so funny, but so true!!!! Good one Moogie. Thanks, Kira, I am seeing my onc in July and she told me she would refer me to a LE therapist in the area. We have to keep our LE under control. Have a great night everyone!!!!!

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited June 2012

    Cellulitis is something I'm really worried about because I live in FL, and I'm around lots of people and germs at work.  My docs assure me I've only had LE swelling because they don't see any red spots. I've been on Z-paks quite a few times this past year for sinus issues, and it seems my arm feels better after taking the Zpak as well. I wonder if it has fended off some build up of bacteria in my arm.

    My question is, what antibiotics do they normally prescribe for cellulitis?  Will Cipro 500 mg for 10 days work better than a Zpak? 

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited June 2012

    Another armpit question: apply antiperspirant just after shaving, or not? I always wonder if it's better to use a nonsterile (maybe downright swarming with bugs) product on my freshly shaved pits, ot to go without for half a day, but risk brewing up a sweat-laden, moist germ incubator. I use a nonelectric razor, but douse it in Hibiclens, after washing the area with hibiclens. Then blot with a clean towel. Then, does the Dove solid undo those precautions?

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  • Nitocris
    Nitocris Member Posts: 187
    edited June 2012

    Carol,

    I am using an alum block for soothing shaving/waxing irritation as well as antipersirant.  It works great.  I learned that from my husband who likes to shave "the old way".  He ordered all kinds of products from a specialized firm in the UK. He has a very sensitive skin like a lot of nordic people and he tried this alum block for relieving irritation after shaving. My daughter uses it too. I ordered blocks for the whole family from the UK but I found the same product on amazon.com.  Here is the link if you want to check:

    http://www.amazon.com/Bloc-Osma-Natural-Alum-Block/dp/B002JW8S6K 

     An Alum Block is a crystal-like stone that is moistened with cold water and gently rubbed over the shaved area to act as an antiseptic for razor burn. It can also help to stop bleeding of small nicks and cuts. The Alum block also has antiseptic properties that not only cool and refresh the skin after shaving, but also act as a balm. 
Simply wet the block, rub gently onto the shaved area, and then leave to dry.  It can also be applied to freshly waxed skin as a soothing agent and be used as an anti-perspirant. 

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Lee7, the choice of antibiotics for cellulitis can vary, and some women here do use cipro as their emergency drug--technically it has better gram negative coverage than gram positive--the usual bugs that cause cellulitis, but it works. If you go by the books, levaquin would work better, but in real life, cipro seems to do the job for a lot of women.

    My LE therapist was talking to me about cellulitis, and how a lot of women will get it with a bad cold/sinus infection, so it makes sense that your arm felt better on the zpack as bugs could have been circulating and getting trapped there.

    The choice of antibiotic is based on what you tolerate: the options are keflex, amoxicillin, augmentin, bactrim, clindamycin, cipro, levaquin, doxycycline, penicillin. Lots of choices.

    Nitocris: the alum block sounds like a good thing. Carol, I wondered too about my deoderant--likely a germ haven.

    I'm a big fan of hibiclens also.

    Kira

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited June 2012

    I'll say I tolerated Levaquin much better than the others. On the others I was nauseous and had to eat every 45 minutes. The Levaquin does have some scary tendon risks though.

    I tend to get hot red blobs on my arm relatively frequenly that are not cellulitis but really look like it. 

    I think some areas the skin is sensative and thin. The area that gets red at other times looks white.

    My current doc has been sort of on my side with the wait overnight and see if it gets better approach, but it's scary because of course it could be cellulitis on any given occasion.

    What a freakin nightmare.

    Oh when it is sunny even in winter I wear the Juzo silver, and that seems to help. Black sleeve + sun + red and swollen for me.

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  • Suzybelle
    Suzybelle Member Posts: 920
    edited June 2012

    Kira:

    I'm so sorry you got cellulitis - and glad you're on the mend.  You did not mention chocolate as a healing agent and I can only assume this was an oversight on your part.  Tongue out

    I've been on the road and have been a horrid member of the LE forum...my apologies.  Glad to see everyone is still here and still fighting the sucky LE. 

    Suz.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Suzy, I can't eat chocolate after dinner, or I stay up.....What a freak. But I can eat it earlier.

    My arm is "all better" and I'll stop the antibiotics soon, but my stomach is NOT happy. And I'm totally upset too: I still remember when Nordy got cellulitis and her thread was "Cellulitis, what bulls@@t"--couldn't have said it better.

    Every time I see Game of Thrones, I think of you. Maybe you can explain it to me.

    Since we're figuring out what set me up: the insane course, lots of variable quality MLD with dirty hands, dirty sheets--I do confess to using an ancient blade razor in the dark every morning, and knowing I had bumps and rash and meaning to do something about it, and even packing antibiotic ointment, but never using it. ARGHHHH.

    Hibiclens, alum stick and shaving of armpits will be a sterile procedure from now on.

    LE sure does suck.

    Kira

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited June 2012

    Suzie, hard as this may be to believe, Kira's LE therapist training course did NOT have a unit on the curative powers of chocolate, either before dinner or after. Seriously, how can they consider their graduates CLT qualified with an oversight like that?!

    Kira, keep on getting well, y'hear? Hope it's not sweltering where you live,
    Binney

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Totally sweltering, but strong thunderstorms approaching. Can't wait, the dog and I are fighting for the Thundershirt....

    The teacher did toss us chocolate, but she was so ticked at my show off ways, I only got one piece....

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited June 2012

    Kira, I hope you're doing better ! 

    Thanks for the info on the antibiotics. I've got my Rx for the Cipro filled and feel better knowing I have it on hand and that it will work for my arm just in case.    

    Reading about how careful to be with deoderant, and shaving razors made me think again... I really do need to be more careful all around.  This LE stuff is no joke.

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited June 2012

    Nitocris, Thanks for the alum block suggestion, which I will definitely look into.

    Kira, please continue to be a show-off, and I'll take charge of sending you chocolate in recompense!

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  • BeckySharp
    BeckySharp Member Posts: 935
    edited June 2012

    My shaving story.  I have tried twice to use an electric one wet in the shower with shaving cream and developed a horrible rash after.  I now shave with a clean razor in the afternoon with shaving cream--in shower.  I then immediately apply antibotic ointment and leave over night.  When I shower the next morning I then use a deodorant crystal for deodorant and it seems to do the job.  I have not had any rashes with this method.  I do not shave as close as I used to though.

    Chocolate is a great antidote for everything!  Keep it coming.

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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Well, no more ancient blade razors in the dark for me....

    My arm has looked normal since Wednesday. I've been tired, but it's likely due to the course and the infection. I'll finish up the course of augmentin tomorrow.

    My sister sent me this NPR link about superbugs in RI--where I live! downright scary, maybe I shouldn't go back to work....

    http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/06/22/155589409/drug-resistant-germ-in-rhode-island-hospital-raises-worries?sc=emaf

    Weighing two, possibly three, job possibilities and I seriously don't know which one I want: one is more time, one is a tiny job, and I'll think about it. 

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  • Kindergarten
    Kindergarten Member Posts: 4,869
    edited June 2012
    Dear Kira, I am so glad your arm is looking better. Thank you for sharing the link. Good luck with your job possibilities. I will stop taking my daily preventative antibiotic in a week. I am a little worried, only because I have been taking it for a year and have been cellulitis free. But, I do have a script now for clindamyacin with many refills if I need it.  I love all the info here on this thread to keep us all cellulitis free.  Thanks to you all for all the great tips!!! Have a great weekend.!!!Smile
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  • kira66715
    kira66715 Member Posts: 4,681
    edited June 2012

    Jo, I had to order it on drugstore.com, it wasn't in any local store. My daughter was looking for mineral sunblock and had to get Neutrogena Baby sunblock, but EWG doesn't like it because it has vitamin A in it. I did look at Target yesterday, and didn't see the mineral sun block.

    Although, when I was in AZ a year ago, I bought a CVS version of "sensitive skin" and it seemed like it was all zinc oxide. I looked like Casper the Ghost. Worked though, and no irritation.

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited June 2012

    Kira, I am just so sorry to hear this, you are always here to help all of us and my mouth fell opened to hear your news.

    Sending gentle hugs....

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  • carol57
    carol57 Member Posts: 3,567
    edited June 2012

    Nordy posted a while back about a Jason mineral sunblock.  I bought it recently and it seemed to have done the job, as I wore it all day out on the water while on the paddle board.

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited July 2012

    JO-5,

    How long do they tell you to stay on the Cipro? I was given a prescription for 10 days. Does that sound right or too much?

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited July 2012

    Kira - I don"t know how I missed this thread but I wanted to chime in and say I'm glad the cellulitits cleared up quickly. I've heard the CLT coarse is really intense. Congrats on completing it!  

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited July 2012

    Thanks JO-5, it did.  That's the same strength and amount I was given.  I also have trouble with many meds, and antibiotics cause havoc with my stomach.  I don't want to take them unless I really have to take them. I've taken acidophilus (the good bacteria in yogurt) when I've been on azithromycin(z-pak) and it seems to help my stomach issues.   Hope you feel better soon.

    kira, hope your cellultis has cleared up too!  I'm still trying to get Hibiclens. It apparently sells out really fast. Finally got the pharmacist to order more and promise to hold it for me!

    I just read the BCO article about Shiny,Colorful Nails. It was very informative!

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  • Lee7
    Lee7 Member Posts: 657
    edited July 2012

    JO-5, I'm not taking Cipro with Z-pak. I mentioned Z pak because that is what I've always been given for sinus infections.   I had asked earlier on this thread what antibiotics were good for cellulitis because my arm swelling seemed to go down a little when I was on a z-pak. 

    I did see my doctor and she didn't think I had any cellulitis going on but she gave me the Cipro to have just in case.  I feel better having it at filled because sometimes I've had to wait days to get a prescription called in, approved, and into my hands.  (and I don't want to go to end up in the ER!) 

    Summertime is scary with all the added bugs out there. I'm trying to be really careful too.

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  • hilles1946
    hilles1946 Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2012

    I got cellulitis 2 1/2 after radiation..........is it connected with cancer? I was lucky in that I didn't have to have chemotherapy but the hormone meds I have been taking for 3 years are making my hands so painful..........I have trigger finger in both hands, and tendinitis, and I am wondering if it is worth going off meds with all the awful side effects. Also I have the start of Osteoporisis.

     Apparently according to the Oncotype test, I am at low risk for re-occurence, but I am agonising over whether to stop the meds.........my Dr. said it is my decision....I am told that the tumour bed is clear, but I cant decide whether to risk not taking meds for the rest of the 2 years.

    Is anyone else going through this dilemma?

    all the best ,

    Hilary

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  • hilles1946
    hilles1946 Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2012

    I got cellulitis 2 1/2 after radiation..........is it connected with cancer? I was lucky in that I didn't have to have chemotherapy but the hormone meds I have been taking for 3 years are making my hands so painful..........I have trigger finger in both hands, and tendinitis, and I am wondering if it is worth going off meds with all the awful side effects. Also I have the start of Osteoporisis.

     Apparently according to the Oncotype test, I am at low risk for re-occurence, but I am agonising over whether to stop the meds.........my Dr. said it is my decision....I am told that the tumour bed is clear, but I cant decide whether to risk not taking meds for the rest of the 2 years.

    Is anyone else going through this dilemma?

    all the best ,

    Hilary

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  • Katarina
    Katarina Member Posts: 386
    edited July 2012

    I am so glad I found this thread.

    Day 7 in the hospital with breast cellulitis. This is my 4rth attack, and longest stay in the hospital due to it. I do understand that untreated it can become sepsis.

    I've learned a few things:

     - IV antibiotics can become less effective with each outbreak

     - Get into the Doc or hospital even if you don't have a fever. I didn't this time.

    - Keep oral antibiotics on hand at home at all times and resort to them at earliest sign.

     Now what I don't know is how to reduce the risks of recurrence. Has anyone created a single list?

    - manually masage swollen lymph areas

    - wear sleeve

    - keep antibiotic cream in your purse in case of a scratch

    - don't use creams or sunscreens above 20SPF on that side

    What else, and can we get a list going?  This is my fourth major cellulitis attack and I will take great measures to avoid another. 

    Hugs

    Kat

    PS. Untreated cellulitis will turn into sepsis which is potentially lethal. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2012
    So sorry about another cellulitis attack, Kat. How frustrating and scary. Here are some more suggestions.




    - Meticulous skin care, some gals regularly use antibiotic soap on arm




    - Keep compression gloves, sleeves, tanks, night garments, wrapping materials laundered regularly.




    - Keep skin moisturized to minimize small breaks in skin, reduce hangnails




    - Keep bug repellant in car and house, and apply even when going out in evening for short time.




    - I don't go for manicures, but if you do it's best to take your own set of tools for them to use. Clean after each use.




    - Use care when shaving underarm. Pitch old razors. Disinfect or discard razors after use. There was a discussion about a product you can apply after shaving underarm, but I forget what this is.




    - I also recall someone posted they use disposable plastic gloves when they handle meat while cooking, which had a dramatic effect on limiting their cellulitis outbreaks.




    That's all I can think of to add to the list for now.
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  • ohio4me
    ohio4me Member Posts: 491
    edited July 2012

    Another thought. A friend of mine had multiple hospitalizations for cellulitis and her recommendation was to use Phisohex - or other antibiotic soap - once weekly. Her docs said it helps keep the bacteria in control which helps with risk (or maybe severity?) of cellulitis.

    Don't know if that works - but it's a simple addition to my routine.

    So - can I say - I had friend tell me this week that I should be grateful I have the ability to do the MLD and care for LE. After a pause, I responded 'Easy words to say'. She is coming to visit next week and will get first hand experience on how much daily time is devoted to caring for one appendage! Love her and she's always supportive - I think I need to educate her a bitEmbarassed

    Sure, I'm grateful for the strength/knowledge I have to deal with LE, doesn't make the LE chores pleasant, the anxiety less, or acceptance easier.

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