Resolved question:
My daughter is 15 months old and her right foot around the toe area is swollen, red, and hard/raised. There are a couple small blisters that have appeared. What should I do to treat this, I'm not even sure what it is, but assuming some kind of bite. We live in Florida.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Pediatrician
Dear parent,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I can understand your situation. The photographs suggest cellulitis with significant induration. This basically means that there is an infection in the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
This infection could have been triggered by some kind of bite or local trauma. Minor abrasions in the skin surface due to insignificant trauma can become a pathway for acquiring infections.
We could do the following:
1. Warm compresses to provide pain relief.
2. Antibiotics may be required if there is a fever or features of systemic toxicity.
Generally, cellulitis needs oral antibiotics. But, if the cellulitis involves a very small area, we may manage it conservatively. If the area of redness and induration increases, we may need to start her on oral CLOXACILLIN.
3. Plenty of fluids to keep her hydrated
4. Oral antihistaminics may be used if there is associated itching.
Wishing your child a speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr. Saptharishi L G