Jan's Condition

Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that is characterized by swelling, redness, warmth, and pain. The most common cause of this infection in adults with no other medical conditions is group A streptococcus, which is a bacterium commonly found in the throat and on the skin. Treatment for this condition usually involves antibiotics and recurrence prevention.
Risk Factors for Cellulitis
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop the infection. Risk factors for this condition include:

Problems with the lymphatic system Jan had them removed
Vein problems
Swelling of the leg She has to wear a compression stocking
Breaks in the skin Jan had a cracked heel??
Obesity.
Specific risk factors include:

Surgical wounds
Skin ulcer (such as a diabetic ulcer)
Eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions that may cause a break in the skin
A previous episode of cellulitis
Surgery to remove lymph nodes
Radiation therapy
Coronary artery bypass surgery
IV drug use
Chemotherapy
Pregnancy

Treating Leg Cellulitis
Treatment for leg cellulitis is aimed at healing the affected area and any underlying conditions that may increase the likelihood of a recurrence. Specific treatment options include medications and recurrence prevention.

Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment, so tell your doctor if you are allergic to penicillin. During treatment for leg cellulitis, you should keep the affected leg elevated and use cold compresses to help reduce pain. However, 50 percent of people who receive treatment experience a recurrence of leg cellulitis. If this happens, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics for a longer period of time.