# Doctor in the house? Cellulitis **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 14, 2004, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793 "2004-12-14T15:53:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![skittles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@skittles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skittles)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/1 "2004-12-14T15:53:58Z")
Howdy all. I know we have quite a few doctors here on the boards. I have some general questions about cellulitis that I can’t find the answers to. I know its the inflamation of the cells of the skin and all that. And that treatment is typically antibotics for milder cases. And that if not treated, and it is severe, IV medication is best. What I don’t know - how long does the swelling typically last? If one started taking antibotics this past Saturday - when will the swelling go down mostly? I’m just asking because my fiance has it in his left arm - long story. The sad part is, our wedding is THIS Saturday. _sigh_ Not sure if the swelling will be down by then. Also, are there other things that he can be doing at home to help the recovery process along? His doctor did not mention elevation of the arm, but I found a bit on the net that said that can help. So he’s home elevating as we speak. Thanks - and sorry if this is in the wrong forum. I also know that no advice given here should be taken to replace any medical advice provided by our GP. I just know that people here are doctors, and would like a friendly opinion. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![skittles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@skittles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skittles)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/2 "2004-12-14T21:28:52Z")
OK - I know it is not good to bump your own thread - but I really need help. Where are all the great doctors? ---
**Author:** ![Pullet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Pullet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pullet)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/3 "2004-12-14T21:35:58Z")
They lurk at night. Patience 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Greenback](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/2bfe46/32.png) [@Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Greenback)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/4 "2004-12-14T21:41:57Z")
This belongs in GQ. I’ll move it for you. Greenback - Auditioning for mod position ---
**Author:** ![DeVena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dec6dc/32.png) [@DeVena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeVena)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/5 "2004-12-14T21:59:50Z")
Not a doctor, but DeHusband had a bad bout of cellulitis last year. The infection started on the front of his leg and then quickly moved up. Once he was in the hospital on IV antibiotics, the swelling was better in a couple of days. But the swelling didn’t go down completely for months. He had to wear support socks for a long time, probably to help with circulation more than anything else. I’d call the doctor’s office and ask a nurse. Much better than worrying. ---
**Author:** ![Bag\_of\_Mostly\_Water](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bag_of_mostly_water/32/1029_2.png) [@Bag\_of\_Mostly\_Water](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bag_of_Mostly_Water)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2004, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/6 "2004-12-14T23:40:25Z")
I am not a doctor, but was treated for cellulitis in my leg several months ago. The pain and redness was mostly gone by the end of the 10-day antibiotic treatment. Swelling did not completely go down for well over a month. There was slow, but noticable, improvement each day. ---
**Author:** ![Lips\_Obsession](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bbce88/32.png) [@Lips\_Obsession](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lips_Obsession)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/7 "2004-12-15T02:29:22Z")
I had a recurring case of cellulitus over a 6 month period. I didn’t know what it was initially, and it just went away on it’s own, but would come back every few weeks or so. Each case seemed to get worse. I finally went to the doctor and they did the oral antibiotics bit. That worked that time. Next time I ended up in the hospital with IVs. Came back one more time, and that cleared up with oral antibiotics. Thankfully, it hasn’t returned in over 2 months now, so I think I’m finally free of it (knock on wood). For me, the swelling would go away in about 7-10 days, with it taking about 14 days for the worst case. Best of luck to you and your financee… ---
**Author:** ![skittles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba9def/32.png) [@skittles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skittles)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2004, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-in-the-house-cellulitis/279793/8 "2004-12-15T14:38:10Z")
Thanks for the information everyone! I wasn’t sure which forum to put this in. I’m hoping the swelling will go down enough so that we can exchange rings. It does seem to be improving slightly each day. We are down to the wire. Also, sorry for all of those that have suffered through this. Its not fun that is for sure. And thanks for the good wishes.