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What Causes Swelling And Hardness On Neck After Removing An Ingrown Hair?

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Posted on Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Question: I pulled an ingrown hair and now the area on my neck under my chin is swollen and hard. A little sensitive to the touch. I cannot believe how swollen it is. What do I need to do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Seems like bacterial skin infection;Oral antibiotic & Oral antiinflammatory

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.

Swollen and hard means that it has got infected. It must be somewhat painful, specially if you press on it.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest an Oral antibiotic e.g Amoxycillin 500 mg Or Cephalexin 500 mg, thrice daily, for a week. Oral antibiotics are prescription drugs and I suggest that you talk to your primary care doctor for the needful.
I also suggest an OTC antiinflammatory/ painkiller e.g ibuprofen for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling.
Topically you may apply warm compresses. That would also help settle down swelling and inflammation.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 hours later)
I was prescribed a 5 day zpak last night. Will this work? Also, at any point should I try and pop the hard area to try and release the infection? If so, at what point? Finally, how long on an antibiotic before I should expect to see a difference?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Zpak is fine

Detailed Answer:
hi.

yes zpak is azithromycin which is an oral antibiotic. You can take a tablet once daily for 5 days. it should work. You should notice improvement in 3 days and the lesion should resolve in about a week.
dont pop or squeeze it as this may push it deeper. Only if you see a pus point you may puncture it with a sterile needle.

regards
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Swelling And Hardness On Neck After Removing An Ingrown Hair?

Brief Answer: Seems like bacterial skin infection;Oral antibiotic & Oral antiinflammatory Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image. Swollen and hard means that it has got infected. It must be somewhat painful, specially if you press on it. If I was the treating doctor I would suggest an Oral antibiotic e.g Amoxycillin 500 mg Or Cephalexin 500 mg, thrice daily, for a week. Oral antibiotics are prescription drugs and I suggest that you talk to your primary care doctor for the needful. I also suggest an OTC antiinflammatory/ painkiller e.g ibuprofen for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling. Topically you may apply warm compresses. That would also help settle down swelling and inflammation. Regards