QuestionThank you for your reply - this is the most info I've received regarding my concerns following this infection. I felt that this was a pretty serious infection considering how small the blister. I was very surprised how quickly this all occurred. I have a few f/u questions.
Coincidentally, and maybe unrelated (or maybe not?), a week earlier I had another small blister, same foot but on my little toe, from wearing new dress shoes in the hot weather. Again - seemed small, and while it didn't become the issue the next one did, it didn't heal as quickly as usual either. I'm a runner & have had so many blisters over the years that were much more significant than these two & have always healed quickly with no issues. I mentioned this other one to all the ER doctors I saw, and to my PCP, but no one seemed concerned. However this little one seemed odd to me as well. Does this seem significant to you?
Does a temp in the 99s qualify as a low-grade fever? Should all my symptoms be completely resolved by now if the infection was truly gone?
Thank you again, in advance, for all your advice.
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Followup To
Question -
I'm a healthy 32 yr old & almost 2 weeks ago, I got cellulitis from a garden-variety blister on the side of my large toe after a morning walk. The next day it was sore & looked to be a simple infected blister with slight red streaks, triaged to the ER and was told it was cellulitis & given oral antibiotic (Keflex). That night, woke up with a 103.3 fever, severe pain and the blister was huge & turning black/green/purple. Went back to the ER, had it drained, dead tissue cut out & then 3 days of IV antibiotics, followed by the remaining 6 days of the oral antibiotic I was originally prescribed. My PCP gave me an rx for Bactroban which I've also used for a week. The wound is healing, swelling seems to be all gone, but I still have a 99.3 fever and my foot turns pinkish-purple & warm after being on it for more than an hour or two (no streaks), sometimes slight swelling occurs. After rest & elevation, it's okay again. My PCP says to hang tight & just be sure nothing gets worse and the fever remains below 100. This sounds reasonable, and while I'm not getting worse, I'm nervous it's not 100% gone & the infection could be lingering. Is this normal?
Should I be questioning my PCP's advice?
Answer -
that is quite a severe skin infection from a "simple walk"... I would worry that there is persistent infection somewhere if you still have infection.... I would look for additional infection.... either in the soft tissue or a remote infection like a heart valve problem... sometimes we can spot these clinically by listening, or you may need more blood testing and possibly an echocardiogram... I hate to make people worry but this was a complicated severe problem initially and there is a possibility of additional problems.
Answera temp of 99 may or may not indicate disease, esp in the summer, people run a little higher, esp when it is hot out. I don't know the significance of the minor blister then the one that caused the bad cellulitis. I think only time will tell but if there are some vague persistent symptoms, make sure your doctor is aware of them.... good luck with it...
