How did I get a boil?
By LillianPearl
@LillianPearl (101)
United States
September 12, 2011 8:05pm CST
Ok, I'm pretty medically saavy, but how in the heck did I get a Boil/Abcess just below the back of my knee without knowing that something was even going on?
I went to the Dr today, he confirmed it. Scripted two antibiotics and to do warm compresses, then follow up in two days, to see if he can lance it yet.
It has cellulitis around it and hurts. Is warm and tender to the touch.
I have a low grade fever.
This is SO bizarre!
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1 response
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
13 Sep 11
I have no idea how you got it. It could be an insect bite. WE nave no seem ems here, that are insects so small that you do not know them or you bumped against something perhaps in bed, there was a pin . It has something to do with an infection in the hair follicle, http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/boils and I have a feeling it has to do with an ingrown hair. But sometimes you really cannot pinpoint the exact cause.
@LillianPearl (101)
• United States
13 Sep 11
I agree, it was probably an ingrown hair. It's been hot and I do shave my legs. I also am on immunosuppressants for an autoimmune disease.
Thank you for the link. It was more helpful than others have been.
I've been spraying it with warm water under our extendable shower head several times a day.
The cellulitis (skin infection) has lessened and it seems to be coming to the surface.
I see the doctor again in the morning to see if he can lance it then.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
14 Sep 11
I hope you get rid of it. Mind you I am the kind who would be out a pin and pierce it myself (I use to have acne quite bad in my teens) but the doctor lancing it would be much better.
@LillianPearl (101)
• United States
14 Sep 11
Yea, tried that, got stuff out, but not all of it.
I've been doing the warm moist compresses. The cellulitis is down about 40% and the area has walled itself off.
He didn't want to lance it at this point because it has improved so much in the last 48 hours. He said it will probably resolve on its own, but it may flare back up.
If that happens, they'll excise the core to keep it from flaring again.
Not to say I cannot get another one in a different locations.
I still have a 100 degree F fever.
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