Ok so I have had this boil for about 4 days... but never had one before. It started out as an ingrown hair, which I've popped and plucked. Today I tried squeezing the puss out. Some came out, but it hurt too bad to finish. So now I have this HUGE bump that is killing me on my lower arm. It looks infected. I am keeping it covered with antibiotic cream on it. Will this hold me over until I can get to a doc on Monday? I really don't want to pay to go to the ER.
Thanks
if u have to wait untill monday, keep it covered and dont let anything get into it. and dont try squeezing it the only think i can think of is abcess. which is like an infection with puss in it. because i had something similar on my leg but they gave me antibiotic for it and they said it was abcess. but go on www.webmd.com and go to the bottom of the home page, and on the bottom right hand side it says "symptom checker" click on that and go from there.
Can you call the advice nurse? I have heard put a warm compress on it to bring it to a head.
This doesn't sound like a boil but rather then an infected ingrown hair. The doctor can take care of it when you see him by lancing it so it can heal properly. If it was a boil I don't think you could have squeezed it to release the infection. What you are doing is forcing the infection into the fascia (skin layers) it then can move to other parts of the body by migrating, even to internal organs. If it's a cellulite or MRSA infection or staff, then you have a problem. It's better to put hot packs on it, a hot wash cloth will do, then keep doing this until drainage is achieved.
Go ahead and keep it covered. The anti-biotic won't hurt either. Just remember to keep the bandage clean and dry whilst you wait. Don't play with it either! Yup, it's going to hurt even after you get ot the doctor's office, yet you'll live!
Take a needle and lighter and burn the tip to get it sterile wipe it off then take it and stick the center of the boil with the needle go deep as you can get. You then gently squeeze the stuff out and then clean and let it alone. I would do this as needed and you can avoid the Dr just keep it clean. You will relieve the pressure and get the puss out so it can heal.
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