HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I have cellulitis on my knee. it is now the 6th day, 4 of which i have been on bactrin, and it is now a purplish red color and hard. is that normal?

A doctor has provided 1 answer
Dr. Timothy Farley answered

Specializes in General Practice

Not necessarily.: It sounds as if it's getting progressively worse. If after 48-72 hours after initiating antibiotic treatment and it's not improving, I would go back to your doctor. The bacteria causing the infection may not be respoding.

Dr Blinski agreed

Answered 8/21/2015

2.4k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

Prescribed 7days of Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) for cellulitis. Today is day 3 and symptoms have improved. Should the redness/pink area be gone completely by day 7?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

With cellulitis (child), how long after oral antibiotx start should we see less symptoms? (swelling, redness, warmth in arm) (bactrim)

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

Diagnosed cellulitis 3days ago.bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) since then not resolvd.been like that 5days lump redness n pain bigger n more. Should it be cut. No white head?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Can i get cellulitis from a bee sting and how is it differntiated from the sting itself? It is next to scare from knee replacement very red

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

In River for 7.5 hours, put sunscreen 1x. Extreme pain in right knee/shin, began to turn purple-red. I got x rays thinking I broke tibia. X rays fine, Dr says cellulitis. Antibiotics given. It is splotchy purple-red and odd pattern w/tiny blisters?

4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I was diagnosed with cellulitis in my left leg a couple days ago. Is it normal for the area to turn more purple than red during the healing process?
I just got over cellulitis and now my ankle and foot swelled but are not red and don't hurt. The cellulitis was in my leg, from knee to ankle. Help!
My partner foot is red & swollen with purple patches, yes he had water retention about 2 yrs.No its not going up the leg like cellulitis. Any idea?
Had cellulitis. Was given Bactrim & Keflex. 1 day left. Pain, redness & swelling gone, still have marble size knot & itching. Need rechecked? Or no?
Diagnosed with cellulitis on left shin. Today is 7th day of 10 day Bactrim. Decreased Redness and swelling (2-3" in diameter day 1) do I need 10 days?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.