In too deep: understanding, detecting and managing DVT

Differentiating between red legs and cellulitis and reviewing treatment options

Red legs (RL) is a chronic inflammatory condition often misdiagnosed as cellulitis. Antibiotic therapy is not required and does not resolve the symptoms. The main causes of RL are chronic dermatological and venous disease, including chronic oedema. Raising awareness of this condition among health professionals could prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary costly and potentially harmful antibiotic therapy. The aim of this paper is to highlight the differential diagnoses and management of red legs, and the author also includes an example through a case history.