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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Inflammation On Bcg Site On Arm In A Baby?

Hi Doctor, my son is now 7 months old. i recently discovered the BCG site on his arm is inflamed. Pus is not oozing out yet but i could tell it s gathering up from under the skin. Could this be an infection? What could it be due to? It looked fine until couple days ago... Could he be allergic to the solids I feed?
Thu, 24 Jul 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Immediately after the BCG vaccine there is a small swelling at the injection site which persists for 6-8 hours. After that the swelling disappears & the injection site looks normal. After 6-8 weeks a swelling reappears which looks like a mosquito bite. It grows in size & forms a nodule which breaks open & discharges some fluid & forms an ulcer. The ulcer heals by forming a scar. The whole process takes 2-5 weeks. Some times this process of ulceration & healing recurs 2-3 times. Ultimately the typical puckered scar is formed which remains for lifetime.
Injection site should not be pressed or rubbed. It should not be fomented. Nothing needs to be applied locally. Infact, bath with soap and water should suffice even when it has ulcerated.

Its normal. It will subside in few days, Dont worry. It is not a sign of allergy.
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What Causes Inflammation On Bcg Site On Arm In A Baby?

Immediately after the BCG vaccine there is a small swelling at the injection site which persists for 6-8 hours. After that the swelling disappears & the injection site looks normal. After 6-8 weeks a swelling reappears which looks like a mosquito bite. It grows in size & forms a nodule which breaks open & discharges some fluid & forms an ulcer. The ulcer heals by forming a scar. The whole process takes 2-5 weeks. Some times this process of ulceration & healing recurs 2-3 times. Ultimately the typical puckered scar is formed which remains for lifetime. Injection site should not be pressed or rubbed. It should not be fomented. Nothing needs to be applied locally. Infact, bath with soap and water should suffice even when it has ulcerated. Its normal. It will subside in few days, Dont worry. It is not a sign of allergy.