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What Does An Infected Lump On Back Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 5 Mar 2015

Question: I have a lump on my back that has been leaking pus on and off for about a month now. Anything I should be doing about it? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs removal

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic .

This could be due to infected sebaceous cyst . I suggest you to consult your doctor as soon as possible and get examined . Meanwhile keep the area clean and start on antibiotic like amoxicillin .

You may need to undergo surgical removal of it and take antibiotics . Clinical examination is enough for diagnosis.

Hope I have answered your query. If any further query is there I would love to help .

Regards
Dr Deepika Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepika Patil (27 minutes later)

Last time I had an infected sebaceous cyst it was normal skin colour and didn't leak, then suddenly got dark red and started hurting before I got it removed. This one is different. It is on my upper left back just below the neck, it leaks a yellow pus at least daily, often to the point of completely draining it so it is hard to see/feel, and doesn't hurt (a very slight itch occasionally at worst). And the bump is only a little over a month old. Is there any way to confidently self-diagnose and treat or is a doctor visit really necessary? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to get it examined

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

The presentation of sebaceous cyst may differ each time . It could be other swelling like lipoma or dermoid cyst etc. At that position all can occur.

Since it is discharging yellow pus it needs to be removed or cleaned . It's not possible to diagnose yourself . You need to get it examined by your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment .

Hope I have answered your query. If any further queries are there I would love to help.

Regards
Dr Deepika Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Deepika Patil (5 hours later)

Thanks. I'll get it examined next week. One last question - is there any value in using an antiseptic like Betadine to try to kill the infection in the meantime?

Answered by Dr. Deepika Patil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you may use

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Yes till you go to doctor you may use betadine . Take care that you should clean the area with water and dry with a clean cloth or cotton(better) and apply betadine. Your hands should be clean .

You may apply daily 2 times . Don't apply too much. Just to cover by thin layer.

Hope I have answered your query. If any further query is there I would love to help.

Regards
Dr Deepika Patil

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj