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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

115 replies

dodgytoe · 17/07/2023 22:51

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?

OP posts:
Unrealnotunrealistic · 17/07/2023 23:12

Do you have any anti-bacterial cream or spray? Not sure if this will help btw

kiwivick87 · 17/07/2023 23:12

Call your GP tomorrow ASAP . Probably quicker than 111 tbh . Realistically you will not get ABs this evening. If you spike a temperature or feel unwell get someone to take you to AE .

Unrealnotunrealistic · 17/07/2023 23:13

Just while you wait on 111 for antibiotics!

nokidshere · 17/07/2023 23:14

Realistically you will not get ABs this evening. If you spike a temperature or feel unwell get someone to take you to AE .

More bad advice. I called 111 at 2am on Sunday morning, spoke to a Dr less than an hour later and had antibiotics in my hand before 4am.

ChrisPPancake · 17/07/2023 23:14

nokidshere · 17/07/2023 23:03

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.

I didn't give advice in that bit? Just stated what happened to me.

I DID then tell op to get medical attention. There was nothing 'dangerous' in what I said Confused

ChrisPPancake · 17/07/2023 23:15

And you give adviCe, or you adviSe. You don't 'give advise'. If we're being picky.

Eomt · 17/07/2023 23:16

I wouldn't put spray or cream on it. If you've broken skin there, it will just get inside and make matters worse. I know because I did it!

nokidshere · 17/07/2023 23:17

And for anyone thinking my last two posts contradict each other, I called 111 because I have a new medication that I can't mix without checking with Dr and I didn't have a weeks supply of anti Bs left as I haven't had cellulitis this year.

nokidshere · 17/07/2023 23:18

And you give adviCe, or you adviSe. You don't 'give advise'. If we're being picky.

🙄 typo obvs

Radiat · 17/07/2023 23:29

I had cellulitis in my leg last year, and it got noticeably worse overnight. I don’t have any pre existing conditions. With your medical history I would not risk leaving it til morning. Fingers crossed you can be seen quickly.

gherkeen · 17/07/2023 23:33

Please go to the doctor to get it checked and get done antibiotics. It could get very nasty

Catsmere · 17/07/2023 23:34

Cellulitis does NOT heal itself, whether you’re diabetic or not. Get into a doctor NOW.

Original poster
dodgytoe · 17/07/2023 23:39

Could the nail fungus have got into the flesh of the toe?

I'm going to an urgent care centre now (I live abroad, we've been before and they're not great and misdiagnosed partner before) rather than wait until morning, and feel they will almost certainly give antibiotics but wonder if there is a chance this is a fungal infection in the skin rather than cellulitis?

Will any GP be able to definitely know what it is?

Getting really stressed out in case they don't diagnose it correctly.

OP posts:
Original poster
dodgytoe · 17/07/2023 23:40

I just mean the urgent care place near us isn't great btw.

The other medical facilities where I live are excellent and there are world class hospitals, but unfortunately closed now for normal appointments unless i go to A & E.

OP posts:
Catsmere · 17/07/2023 23:51

dodgytoe · 17/07/2023 23:40

I just mean the urgent care place near us isn't great btw.

The other medical facilities where I live are excellent and there are world class hospitals, but unfortunately closed now for normal appointments unless i go to A & E.

I would go to A&E. My mother’s GP sent her there with cellulitis last year.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 17/07/2023 23:58

Do not leave this
As a T1 you're aware of the seriousness of any infections let alone your feet
If the skin is red and shiny your body isn't fighting the infection( understandably)
An infection that is just starting won't necessarily affect your sugars at this point but might well do if you leave it
Phone 111 They May get you an OOH appointment

uncomfortablydumb53 · 18/07/2023 00:03

Just seen you're not in UK
Go to A&E
They can diagnose a fungal toenail by sending a clipping to the lab but the cellulitis is very important to get treated asap

alexdgr8 · 18/07/2023 00:07

go to A&E now.
good luck.

caringcarer · 18/07/2023 00:17

Cellulitis is very serious and should be looked at and given antibiotics immediately or it will take a hold and spread. Diabetics notoriously lose their toes so you need to get this seen immediately. Don't risk your health.

caringcarer · 18/07/2023 00:19

nokidshere · 17/07/2023 23:11

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.

I get cellulitis most years and sometimes twice, usually from insect bites. I keep antibiotics at home too. Taking them fast stops it taking hold.

olympicsrock · 18/07/2023 00:22

Please get urgent medical help. You have diabetic foot sepsis which can be very very serious if not treated promptly

justasking111 · 18/07/2023 00:24

Hopefully you're at the hospital now

Cinders15 · 18/07/2023 00:38

It's paronychia
Infection around toe or fingernail
I'm T1 and had this Xmas 2020 on my middle fingernail - I'd just cut them
Gp told me to go straight to A&E
I ended up having cellulitis going up my arm so I had intravenous antibiotics
Please take care

nocoolnamesleft · 18/07/2023 00:39

Glad you're seeking medical help. With diabetes, it's so important to react promptly to early signs of infection, and especially in feet. Hope you get sorted.

Original poster
dodgytoe · 18/07/2023 01:10

Well, so urgent care have prescribed a drug called Keflex/ cephalexin. Waiting for pharmacy to get it ready now.

So scared to take it. I have not had antibiotics for many years and just remember awful side effects.

The main fear of taking it is in case it causes bleeding as I have retinopathy. My blood pressure was high for me too in urgent care 123/ 84. I just can't manage anymore.

I just feel like sobbing I hate this all so much. I can't deal with diabetes anymore, it's too much. Nothing is good enough, my Hba1c is 5.5 and it's still not good enough, I'm still totally fucked.

OP posts: