With Diabetics, cellulitis is very common. You can get it if you have a crack or break in your skin. Because your immune system is not up to par, you cannot fight off every day organizms. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin caused generally by strep or staph, which we all have on our skin normally.

As for treatment, stay on the antibiotics until you use it all. Don't stop after the cellulitis clears up. Finish the full dosing or you run the risk of reinfection.

Also, the cold compresses are a good choice. Check with your doc about an oral pain medication.

Thanks very much for that,its put my mind at rest abit.

Looks like Ive been burnt in a fire,just hope things return to normal eventually.

Hi Bluejeanz!

Me again... Wow, antibiotics too...the fun just never stops for you, does it? I think I mentioned it elsewhere but probiotics are good if you're taking abx, they'll keep your gut healthy and help strengthen your immune system.

Anything you can take to strengthen your immune system can help with the cellulitis, even just good old vitamin C. I don't think aloe would hurt but see if you can find something that is anti-inflammatory. Some people say oil of oregano but I don't know where to get that.

Good advice FM!

thanks for the helpful advice in what has been a crazy week,the vit c I will definately have a go at.

A well meaning friend gave me some aloe vera gel,explaining all the good points,but when I applied it,it made my leg feel worse and tight.

The cold compresses work better,but the state of my leg at the moment looks like its been burnt.

I dare say the new skin will grow back?

I have to hope it does....

absolutely Blue...barring any unforeseen complications, it should heal up just fine.

i've has cellulitis three times by bug bites on my lower leg twice i got the discoloration and swelling lasting over 6 months but my leg is back to normal i did the ice and benedryl- oral and cream- and controling the itching was the best thing i did for it- the pain was nothing next to the itch- and scratching was the worst thing i did the first time not knowing i was just reinfecting and making it last longer also elevation is key to reduce the swelling and promote the circulation too i even got some of the support sock as i had a sitting job at the same time when i returned to work- i was off over 3 months with the first cellulitis from a black widow bite the other 2 times i don't know what insect it was as i was fishing at night the doctor told me not to even shave my leg when it was there also if you have body scrubs/exfoliants in your shower/bath throw them out as they are good growth material for bacteria i look at my legs regulary as well my feet so signs the early treated the lest chance of complications and if you become prone to cellulitis better to be proactive good luck