Leg viruses

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On This Page. Breaks in the Skin Allow Bacteria to Enter Anyone can get cellulitis, but some factors can increase the risk of getting this infection.

Antibiotics Are Needed Cellulitis is treated with antibiotics. Complications Are Uncommon, but Can Be Serious Complications from cellulitis are uncommon but can include serious infections in the following locations: Blood bacteremia Joints suppurative arthritis Bone osteomyelitis Lining of the chambers of the heart and heart valves endocarditis Cellulitis can cause vein swelling if blood clots form close to the skin thrombophlebitis.

Protect Yourself and Others People can get cellulitis more than once. Good Wound Care Common sense and good wound care are the best ways to prevent bacterial skin infections, including cellulitis. Clean all minor injuries that break the skin with soap and water. Related Pages. Top of Page. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You should visit a medical provider for other serious symptoms, such as a fever over degrees Fahrenheit, difficulty breathing or confusion. If your leg spasms last longer than three days or are accompanied by a stiff neck and high fever, visit a doctor to rule out any other issues.

Ireland Wolfe. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher. Some types of flu can cause muscle spasms and aches. Video of the Day. When this happens, the patient may experience generalized weakness , fatigue, and fever. Medical evaluation and prompt treatment needs to be instituted to avoid major complications, such as damage to the kidneys, liver, or heart.

Certain medical conditions can predispose a person to a leg infection. People with diabetes may be more susceptible to soft tissue infections, including those of the leg. In certain individuals with diabetes, the healing process is less efficient than in those without the condition. Therefore, if a diabetic injures his foot or ankle, the injury may be resistant to treatment, increasing the risk for a leg infection.