Lower-Limb Cellulitis with Concomitant Onychomycosis in an Older Adult with Poor Nutritional Status: A Case Report

Abstract

Cellulitis is an inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, generally caused by a bacterial infection and often accompanied by pain that can disrupt activity and delay the healing process if not properly treated. Effective management of pain and inflammation is a crucial part of cellulitis management, through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. This article reports a case of cellulitis in a 68-year-old woman who complained of pain, swelling, redness, and fever in the right lower extremity, accompanied by ulcers and bullae. The patient's risk factors included advanced age, poor nutritional status, a history of wounds as a port of entry, and low socioeconomic status. Physical examination and supporting investigations revealed signs of acute inflammation, including leukocytosis and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Management included injectable antibiotics, analgesics, leg elevation, bed rest, and cold compresses with 0.9% NaCl as a non-pharmacological therapy to reduce pain and edema. This case emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to cellulitis management, including infection control, pain management, and addressing predisposing factors to support optimal healing.