Cellulitis not going away after multiple oral and IV antibiotics

Male, 38, 160, not diabetic. Started from a toenail removal in January. I caught mild athletes foot from a household member and was told to soak feet in vinegar, yellow listerine, and water after other topicals did not work. That caused an infection around my toenail. A week after removal I developed cellulitis. Seemed to go away with doxycycline. Cellulitis came back at the end of March. Given Aumentin. Did nothing. Pain worsened and began to spread to my toe joint and ankle. Cellulitis confirmed on MRI. Given IV vancomycin and cefadroxil. Did nothing. Pain continued to get worse. Toe joint is now swollen. Ankle does now appear swollen but hurts badly and now have hip pain. Went back to the ER and was given dalbavancin and two weeks doxycycline. Pain is worse and ankle toe joint is even more swollen. Still no noticeable ankle or hip joint swollen but both are incredibly tender. I am now having nerve-y sensations in my leg and some numb in infected foot.

I have not taken many antibiotics in my lifetime and keep very clean. I am confused why it not getting better and very concerned at this point. ER said they can't do anything else for me. Podiatrist has no idea what to do. I have an appointment with infectious disease coming up and hope they have answers but I am not sure what can be done.

Posted Jun 27, 2026, 7:29 AM UTC

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