I have chronic cellulitis in my left leg. It first occurred in Dec 2000 following a foot abrasion and has never gone away since, although for most of this time it has been a nuisance rather than painful.
The initial attack was agonising, and weeks of treatment with antibiotics followed. I was able to continue work - I was self-employed and had no option - and was in discomfort rather than pain. Eventually I accepted that I would have to live with a fat swollen ankle, and my life has continued as normal. That particular leg has poor circulation and has been operated on in the past which are contributory factors to the cellulitis not clearing.
Since then I have had a few bad flare-ups (again following abrasions or breaks in the skin). Following the latest outbreak I have decided to really try and beat it. I need to lose weight and have found a detox diet works for me, and this alkaline-based regime is also recommended for cellulitis.
So, plenty of fresh fruit and veg, herbal teas, no more alcohol, tea or coffee, yoghurts and eggs but no other dairy produce and no bread, pasta or white rice. No processed foods, in fact.
I take garlic and echinachea capsules and use tea tree oil at the site of infection, the potassium permanganate theory is interesting, but do I really want a purple leg?
Compared with many of you out there I am very lucky. I find exercise helps enormously, and swimming is great for getting the circulation going. Once the detox has been going a while I'll let you know how I've got on!
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