[38M] With ankle swelling and discoloration

What might be happening

Your symptoms could be related to several conditions:

1. Cellulitis Recurrence: Given your history, the swelling, discoloration, and itchiness might indicate a recurrence of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. This can cause redness, swelling, and sometimes peeling skin.

2. Venous Insufficiency: This occurs when veins have trouble sending blood from your limbs back to the heart, leading to swelling and discoloration.

3. Drug Reaction: Although less likely, starting Bactrim could cause skin reactions, including itchiness and peeling.

Typical treatments for cellulitis include antibiotics, which you're already taking. Venous insufficiency might require compression stockings and lifestyle changes.

What you can do

For Swelling and Discoloration:

• Elevate your leg: Keep your leg elevated when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
• Compression: Consider using compression stockings to help with blood flow.

For Itchiness and Skin Peeling:

• Moisturize: Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe your skin.
• Avoid Scratching: Try not to scratch the area to prevent further irritation.

General Care:

• Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes or worsening of symptoms using MDandMe to journal and share with your healthcare provider.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you notice:

• Increased redness, warmth, or pain in the area
• Fever or chills
• Rapid spreading of discoloration or swelling

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.