That’s one weird scratch[/caption]
I then notice a slight irritation on my palm and finger. Weird. I applied some topical medication, and bandaged my elbow and hand and went to bed.
Day 2:
Removing the bandages. My little photographer was the first to see if this, “scrape” was improving. I was curious if it was at least scabbing. As the pain was pretty intense. The photos show no scabbing, but indentations. My concern began to mount. As my IGg levels are decreasing, I’m very susceptible to all bacteria, viruses, fungus. I’ve limited all activities, realizing that I am prone to serious infections. No scabbing, and complete change in appearance, concerns me.
The life-long patient that I am, I began researching what the heck this was. My husband, just realizing the situation, thought a possible spider bite. We ran through so many scenarios. He, and my kids suggested to go to the doctor. Absolutely NOT. As a chronic patient, going to the doctor exposes me to many more germs. As well, I have , learned how to take care of various illnesses. It’s exhausting explaining CVID to the medical field. Risking get very ill, and going in for a strange “painful-scrape-turned-glass-turned-crater” was not what I had the energy for. After researching for hours on dermatology, skin infections, insect or spider bites. There was not any connection.
Day 3:
The bandage pulled off, and the look on my child’s face was worrisome. I asked, really hoping, “does it look better”? The reply, “Mom go wash it off, looks like some cream is on it”
I did. I could see some type of transparent film covering the area. Thinking it was padding from the gauze. Ummmm, no. It was the skin.
Day 4: The Skin sloughing grew larger, peeling off layers as I took off the protective covering. I decided, I need medical advice.
*The Diagnosis: Cellulitis
*My Case: It is not unusual that I have complications that are not technically diagnosable. Again, I have a rare disease, and research is limited. My manifestations are certainly a concern. Although, typically persons contract Cellultis on their feet or legs. The bacteria travel through an open cut or bite. I had neither. Especially, the palm of my hand. The bacteria were able to infiltrate the layers of my skin without an actual entry point, as those with cellulitis contract it.
*Complications: The bacteria may travel to lymph nodes and into the bloodstream. This can lead to a blood infection or permanently damage lymph vessels, which are part of your immune system. Other complications can also develop. – See more at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/cellulitis#sthash.f0BhLYBR.dpuf
Causes: cellulitis is caused by two types of bacteria:
Streptococcus and staphylococcus
*Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all the many common Staphylococcus bacteria.
Causing the antibiotic resistant MRSA and Sepsis.
mrsa poster
Lesson Learned: For myself, family and others. Staph naturally lives in most people’s nose, and other body parts. If you blow your nose, etc., and touch any open access point (cut, blister, dry skin). The staph is then introduced into your body, potentially creating the above case. Keep all open wounds covered with an antibiotic cream and bandaged until scabbed over. Wash your hands frequently!
Don’t Open the Door to Germs
Tomorrow is Day 5: I have begun the antibiotic regime, and care of the site. If all goes well, This crater will heal. If it does not I will have intravenous antibiotics.
