THIS IS A SERIOUS ONE EVERYONE..PLEASE HELP ME...What is this symptom known as and how is it treated?

Question

I have a relative who is obese and, when he wears shorts, I can see that he has a huge growth of skin that hangs. He says that the skin and everything under the surface is hard to the touch and that his doctor also tells him that it is an infection. He disagrees because he has taken antibiotics and yet he says nothing has happened. I have seen this and it just looks bad. It is located on his left thigh and just hangs just above the knee on the inside of his leg, and I'm worried for him because he is such a close relative as well as a good person to be around. Does anyone have a clue as to what it is?

i am not asking peoples advice on his lifestyle, just what you know about this condition..thanks a lot to most of you..i will do a lot of research

Answer 1

Here is the wikipedia page on obesity:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity

Scroll down to the section called "Effects on health", and look at the some of the things listed for skin and appendages, such as acanthosis nigricans, lymphedema, cellulitis, carbuncles, and intertrigo. Each item has a clickable link, so you can go from there ... maybe you'll find something that will help you determine what it is.

Answer 2

It sounds like a common skin disorder that quickly turns into an infection. It is a form of dermatitis and should be treated with topical anti-biotics, not oral. I would suggest hydrocortozone cream or a triple antibiotic ointment. Once the infection is gone, keep the area moist with good ol' fashioned petrollium jelly. You can safely test for infection with Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). Apply the peroxide to the affected area, if it stays clear like water, then there's no infection. If, however, the peroxide bubbles, fizzes or turns opaque white, then an infection is present.

Sticking with the oral antibiotics won't hurt but use topical ones as well....and get a new doctor.

Answer 3

It sounds like it could be similar too celulitis.A close family member has the condition on their leg.To touch the leg is very hard almost like a rock.Antibiotics have not gotten rid of this yet.I am hoping this does.ON my family member it started from the foot and has worked its way up the leg.It is red and inflamed,almost looks purple in some spots.I hope this helps.

Answer 4

swine flu has been known for extremely high temperatures like 102*F+. Vomiting and diarrhea usually are not symptoms, but yes it can happen. If not treated swine flu ultimately leads to respiratory problems or pneumonia. ive heard the symptoms are just like the flu. if not treated, your kids could be in danger. It would hurt to get them checked out. there have been a couple of reported deaths, and recent out breaks in texas.

Answer 5

possibly the start of lymphedema, fluid pockets under the skin causing a hard lumpy appearance. Cellulitis usually has redness and feels hot to the touch.

Answer 6

You did not mention redness or sensitivity to touch, nor an elevated temperature. Absent these symptoms, it is unlikely to be an infection. My guess is that it is a tumor of some sort; one may hope that it is benign. A doctor should do a biopsy.

Answer 7

It's the Big Mac Attack. Sorry, don't mean to poke fun at people. He needs some lifestyle changes, that's all. It could be a lot of things, but he needs to eat healthy and exercise. Antibiotics can only do so much, he really needs to change.

Answer 8

You'd probably have better luck posting this in the medical section or something. lol
However, if you're serious, try Tea Tree Oil.

Answer 9

Whatever it is, I can't see why the Dr. hasn't removed it. Anti biotics won't help if it's the size you say it is. I'd go check with another Dr. if it were me.

Answer 10

This is why we shouldn't let ourselves become morbidly obese.