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Suggest Remedies For A Painful Red Skin Boil Under The Arm

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Posted on Thu, 13 Oct 2016
Question: My 16 yr old son has an under the skin boil or cyst. It has touched the surface like a head. But is very painful. Have started him on 200mg of Doxycycline. The skin is red and a bit swollen, about 3 inches from the armpit down the bicep area. He's been on the doxy 2 full days now. (not a lot of time yet.) Should we trust the doxy treatment? Or should we get a further consult for a stronger antibiotic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
may need incision and drainage

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It has possible, based on your description, that the infection has evolved to form an abscess which is simply a localized collection of pus.

An abscess can be very painful.

Definitive treatment requires incision and drainage of the abscess which can be done in a GP office.
This is required for effective treatment of any abscess because the antibiotics usually cannot effectively penetrate the pus.

Once the abscess is incised , there would be almost immediate pain relief.

The antibiotic would be continued.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
Ok thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
no prob

Detailed Answer:
If there are any other queries, can let me know

Wish him the best ,should be perfectly fine
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For A Painful Red Skin Boil Under The Arm

Brief Answer: may need incision and drainage Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It has possible, based on your description, that the infection has evolved to form an abscess which is simply a localized collection of pus. An abscess can be very painful. Definitive treatment requires incision and drainage of the abscess which can be done in a GP office. This is required for effective treatment of any abscess because the antibiotics usually cannot effectively penetrate the pus. Once the abscess is incised , there would be almost immediate pain relief. The antibiotic would be continued. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions