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What Causes Boils On The Scalp?

Posted on Tue, 25 Oct 2016

Question: My son aged 11 years, height 5 foot, weight: 45 Kgs, has developed boils on his scalp. He has been complaining of itching for about a month. We have shown him to a Pediatrician in XXXXXXX There is swelling of a lymph node below his ear which is painful on pressing/touching. Dr. advised Antibiotics for 8 days and increased dosage after 3 days as pain is not relived in Lymph node. He asked us to see him after 3 days. If pain doesn't go away from Lymph node, he will change the treatment.
Could you please help me understand this issue and possible treatment options for my son.
Thanks in advance.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infection of the scalp.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on healthcaremagic.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern. It seems that your child has a bacterial infection affecting his scalp. It is possible in that there is a combination of fungal infection as well. The infection has been localised in the local lymph nodes causing them to swell. Even after treatment it may take some time to come back to normal. Treatment with antibiotics is necessary but perhaps applying antifungal lotion like candid (clotrimazole) should help. You may also use some antibiotic ointment along.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (14 hours later)

Thank you Doctor for your reply. My main concern is related to pain and swelling of Lymph node below ear. Our Pediatrician said he should get relief from pain with in 3 days otherwise we have to follow another approach.
Is this pain and swelling of Lymph node due to some other problem than the bacterial/fungal infection (that caused boils also)?

What precautions should we take to prevent these in the future?

We are also applying anti bacterial cream on the boils.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Should subside soon

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.

The pain is due due to infective or inflammatory cause. It is in fact a good sign (in certain other ominous causes no pain is present). It should resolve soon.

No specific preventive measures to suggest. Just maintain overall hygiene.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar