Recurring cellulitis in hand finger

In October end 2011 my wife contracted cellulitis infection in left hand and was treated with flucloxacillin.
Now after the first course of that she got infection on right hand again after 2 weeks  (previously it was left hand) . another course of same antibiotic was given 7*4 tabs of same. Now after after another 2 weeks after the medicine course is over she got it again in same right hand.  We had taken all precautions (like keeping hands clean, mosist etc) but still its coming back. This time GP has prescribed an ointment and same antibiotics again. We are trying out ointment now. Seems like infection is in control but not subsiding after 1 week of treatment. Every evening hand looks ok but morning the swelling (swelling on 4 fingers alone, no redness seen now) comes back.
Is there any other way than taking the anti biotic course again ?

She is not diabatic nor does she have any health problem so far.
Seems like she is contracting the infection after sunday cleaning activity (assumption now ) as all 3 times the symptoms appear on monday morning.

How can we prevent the recurrence. ?
What are side effects of taking this much antibiotics course ?

Please advise.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

If it is cellulites it would need antibiotics along with active management if indicated. It is also likely that there is constant source of infection or the antibiotic is partially resistant. Other possibilities like thrombophlebitis, thrombosis, reflex dystrophy may also need to be considered. In the current situation the risks of not taking the antibiotic would be more that the risk of taking it and hence these are advised when suggested by a medical practioner. It would be best to discus the situation I detail with your treating doctor.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!

[nskand]

Thanks for the advice Dr.Kaul.
This time the infection cured without antibiotics. We tried some homeo medicines and bathing the infected portion in warm water with Epsom salt in it. We were ready to take a slight risk that way because it was not spreading like when she got the first time. Anyway she is alright now. Some of the doctors suspect that this may be some kind of arthritis as well. Thrombosis was ruled out as she got fully cured each time with antibiotics. As soon as you take the pills it subsides in a day or two.

[ggiinnyy]

Look into "OUL PULLING". Google it please, the cure is very simple yet lengthy to explain. You must give it a try...and most likely you have what you need in the kitchen to start tonight. this WILL help.