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Suggest Treatment For A Red Swollen Area On The Forearm

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016
Question: my 6 yr old son got a red swollen round area on his right forearm and was adviced to apply fudic bnf cream and teczim syrup. after one week the area developed into a hard red bump of size 1cm x 2cm approx and since last 3 weeks the size is not regressing as appearing to my naked eyes. the child says there is no pain in the area unless the bump is pressed with finger or hands . on visiting a pediatrician he gave a course of antibiotics but there is no reduction in the size or dimension of the bump or lump as we may term it. the bump appears to be just below the skin and how much time ot will take to regress completely and why is the process so slow
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Antibioma and fibrosis delays - time taken is unpredictable.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for the query regarding your son.
To recapitulate: Male/6 years - red swollen area on right forearm - 3+1 weeks, local creams and medication as noted - not regressing 3 weeks - tender and as explained - pictures provided - wants to know time that will be taken for regression and why the process is slow...

The reasons are:
- The healing character is bit different in children, usually very fast if the abscess would have been opened, drained in time.
- Now that there is antibioma formation due to fat around the residual abscess.
This gives it hardness and tenderness.
- Since there is antibioma formation, it is difficult to say how much time will be taken for regression as there is fibrosis formation also and acts as a barrier for early healing.
- I would advise you the following in such a situation:
Looking at the very clear picture you have provided, I feel that there is a residual abscess which needs to be opened up, proper debridement done followed by daily change of dressing for early and good recovery.
Other wise may take weeks to months together.

I hope this answers your queries, gives you the solution. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (17 minutes later)
sir i am so worried that i havent slept for the last 3 weeks properly but i will let you know that 8 days back i went to a radiologist for a usg to see how deep it was and he said on physical examination that he wudnt suggest a usg as he said it was a boil but when i insisted he just did the usg by his junior for a moment and again said that it is a skin boil and asked me to go. again after that i went to my family doctor he said that these bumps might take even months to regress . in this app only i am asking about it for the third time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consult and follow a General Surgeon o a Pediatric Surgeon

Detailed Answer:
I can understand the stress you are going through.
Do not worry.
This is not going to be a dangerous thing for your son.
I would advise you to consult a General Surgeon or a Pediatric Surgeon to guide you very properly with best possible treatment and results.
You may please start him on Multivitamin with Lycopene (anti-oxidant) syrup as it helps.
Please Meet the correct Specialist and your son will be alright.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (4 minutes later)
sir cant we wait for 4 to 6 weeks for the bump to regress because we do not have very good surgeons here in XXXXXXX and if it regresses on its own then we dnt need to get it cut open . the radiologist said it was a skin boil
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please consult one

Detailed Answer:
You are absolutely right.
There is nothing like a good or bad Surgeon. Have you yet consulted any? XXXXXXX must have good surgeons.
Meet one and and you get the best available treatment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (11 hours later)
earlier 2 weeks back we had showed to a surgeon and he pressed the bump and said there was no pus or deposits . that is why im asking you can we wait for 5-6 weeks to see if it regresses on its own . is draining the bump the only option. is it any harm if we leave it to its own to regress slowly in a few weeks or 2 to 3 months.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
As discussed in detail.

Detailed Answer:
Certainly yes, you can wait, give him multivitamin as I told above, leave this alone and wait to see the progress is one possibility. Draining the bump is not the only option, but helps in reducing local toxicity and helps in early healing.
There may not be any harm but then has to be kept under close observation and intervene if required.
Take second opinion of another Surgeon, preferably Pediatric Surgeon.

I hope this answer helps you in decision making.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For A Red Swollen Area On The Forearm

Brief Answer: Antibioma and fibrosis delays - time taken is unpredictable. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for the query regarding your son. To recapitulate: Male/6 years - red swollen area on right forearm - 3+1 weeks, local creams and medication as noted - not regressing 3 weeks - tender and as explained - pictures provided - wants to know time that will be taken for regression and why the process is slow... The reasons are: - The healing character is bit different in children, usually very fast if the abscess would have been opened, drained in time. - Now that there is antibioma formation due to fat around the residual abscess. This gives it hardness and tenderness. - Since there is antibioma formation, it is difficult to say how much time will be taken for regression as there is fibrosis formation also and acts as a barrier for early healing. - I would advise you the following in such a situation: Looking at the very clear picture you have provided, I feel that there is a residual abscess which needs to be opened up, proper debridement done followed by daily change of dressing for early and good recovery. Other wise may take weeks to months together. I hope this answers your queries, gives you the solution. Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.