Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

This does not look like it is obviously cellulitis (soft tissue infection), and the Keflex you took is a good antibiotic for skin infections; however I think it needs to be watched closely. My reason for saying that is sometimes with puncture wounds, if foreign material is trapped underneath and the skin is stitched up, an infection can brew underneath and can form an abcess or cellulitis.

For now, I recommend applying heat (hot compresses or soaking in hot water, or hold it under hot running water - not so hot that you burn the skin of course) for at least several minutes several times a day. At least 3 times/day, but the more often the better. Heat will help increase circulation to the area and the white blood cells in the blood can help clear up a brewing infection. In addition, heat raises the temperature of the tissues, making the environment less favorable for bacteria that like soft tissue to grow (they need body temperature).

However, if the reddish area expands (you may want to draw a line around part of the area now to help watch this) or there is increased pain, then do go in to be seen. The area may need to be drained if an abcess is forming, cleaned out, and you would be given another antibiotic.

I would stop using the Neosporin topical ointment though for a couple of reasons. Since the wound is closed, it won't be particularly helpful. In addition, skin reactions to Neosporin are common, and that may be going on here too.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

The best way to figure out what is going on with the are you described is to see it in person and press on it to see if it feels like scar tissue vs an infection. Scar tissue tends to feel more fibrous to the touch whereas infection feels more swollen and springy. But I don't want to expect you to make this determination without ever having done so before.

How many days ago did the BB shot happen?
And is the tract becoming more sensitive or less over time?

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Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this

Detailed Answer:
A month is a rather long wait to be seen as follow up after an injury. Call and ask them your doctor's office to contact you if something opens up before then (i.e. put you on a waiting list).

As long as it isn't getting worse in anyway, you can wait a bit more, but continue to monitor and either call your doctor's office or go in to an urgent care clinic if it becomes worse. And if you go in to be seen at urgent care, request specifically to see an MD as some are staffed with physician's assistants and nurse practitioners and patients are automatically seen by them unless you request otherwise.

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