Can mild cellulitis heal by itself? In a type 1 diabetic?

[dodgytoe]

Really unsure what to do. Around the top of my toe is very swollen, tight and shiny and it is so sore. I have a fucking fungal nail and just was assuming it was something to do with that, but now I am wondering if it is cellulitis because the fungal nail has never looked like this or hurt like this before?

I do have type 1 diabetes but usually heal quickly so not sure how to approach this. At the minute I don't think I can cope with a shoe touching the toe so not sure how I can get to a doctor.

Should I give it 24 hours? If it is cellulitis does it always need antibiotics or can it resolve?

Blood sugar readings are flat and steady btw so that makes me think body is coping well with whatever it is. Usually an infection makes them go high and need more insulin...

Are you mad? A type 1 diabetic with a toe problem? Get it looked at!

You should phone 111 tonight and get advice. I would not risk waiting as cellulitis can get nasty quickly

If its tight and shiny, the body is NOT coping - the infection is taking hold

Please don't risk this as a type 1 diabetic. The consequences of not getting it looked at can ve awful- it will spread much worse due to your diabetes.

I'm not a medic but I do have DiabetesT2 and I have had cellulitis in my legs. You should seek medical help because foot care is so important. Try bathing it in warm salt water tonight. Have you got any stuff like savlon? Also elevate your foot as much as possible. Good luck tomorrow and keep us posted.

No. you need medical attention. Please be sensible.

I had cellulitis in a toe a few weeks ago, all
dealt with by sending a photo to GP and got antibiotics. Needed 2 x 7 days worth as took a while to clear. I’d advise getting medication asap as can spread very quickly

This is how toes end up going gangrene in diabetics, please see a Dr urgently.

Honestly wouldn't risk waiting. I am a type 1 diabetic and when I had cellulitis (mine was facial) I ended up in hospital for two days on an antibiotics drip. If it is cellulitis you need to get antibiotics into you ASAP to avoid this happening.

It’s probably best to have it checked out sharp-ish if you can’t wear shoes. I also have T1 diabetes. If GP can’t fit you in, try your podiatrist. Don’t leave it to fester.

Yes I know in theory it's dangerous, it's just terrifying as I have never had anything like this with my feet in almost 30 years of diabetes!

Can it wait until morning or does it need more prompt action tonight?

I have cellulitis right now also. You need to be seen ASAP. Don't delay it.

My very fit and healthy husband got cellulitis in his knee age 43 and ended up in hospital for two weeks very very poorly. He had/has no underlying health issues.

So please seek urgent medical advice.

Have you been treating the fungal nail? I got some of the stuff you paint on on my skin rather than the nail and it burnt. Was able to treat it myself.
Being type 1 though I'd advise you get professional advice/treatment.

Tonight OP. Please. Phone 111 now.

I’d get it sorted now. Rubbish timing but the up side is less busy.

I know people who have had bad situations with legs/toes due to diabetes.

Just pack a bag with book etc. Worst case you miss some sleep and chalk it ip. Good luck 🤞

Yes I have been painting on a topical treatment, I did notice it seemed to make the toe a little sensitive but thought no more of it.

Trimmed the nail last night as far down as possible and now kicking myself, as i probably inadvertently caused a tiny break in the skin and now this happened.

Have you been treating the fungal nail? I got some of the stuff you paint on on my skin rather than the nail and it burnt. Was able to treat it myself.

I sincerely hope you don't go around giving out such appalling 'advise'! Cellulitis can kill, it needs urgent medical care.

Phone 111 and they will advise you to go tonight or tomorrow, but definitely phone now. Best of luck.

I had this in my leg, no underlying conditions. It came on incredibly rapidly and I was basically unable to walk for several weeks. Do not delay a moment longer.

You really need this looked at ASAP. If you're completely systemically well with no sweats/temperature/other systemic signs of infection, it can probably just about wait until tomorrow. But if you do become unwell overnight - A and E, stat, don't pass Go and don't collect £200.

If you're unwell in any way - get seen tonight.

How do they diagnose it? Will they have to remove the nail to drain it or something?

I am so upset I can't believe this is happening.

Should I soak the toe in warm salt water while I'm ringing? Is that safe?

I always have a good supply of antibiotics at home, I take them as soon as I see/feel the reddening or warming of the skin, and I can sometimes catch it before the shivers/chills set in.

You will probably just need antibiotics fast, but I don't have diabetes so not sure how that complicates things. However you need to speak/or see someone right away.