Should my sister go to a Dr. for a very infected ingrown hair on her breast?

Question

She plucked a hair from her breast about two months ago. When the hair grew back it became very infected. It has been infected for over a month now. The skin around the hair folicle is a brownish-purple color and very tough. Also, very thick puss comes out when she squeezes it. She can not see the ingrown hair when she tries to clean the sore, it must be very deep. Is there anything she can do on her own to fix it, or does she need to see a Doctor? She doesn't have health insurance and money is tight. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

She should see a Dr. but in the meantime take warm compresses better if in saltwater and soak the area often. Go to the pharmacy and buy some icthimol...it's called black salve. use it three times a day cleaning with warm soap and water in between. Than at night ad an antibiotic cream to the mix and cover it with gauze or something so it doesn't get touched at night to keep bacteria out. When she washes and uses the compresses try to squeeze the pus out, a little at a time and the compresses and ointment should allow it to soften and draw out the infection. If the area gets worse, go to Er and ask to apply for medical assistance for that visit only...it will go by her income. good ;luck. Wouldn't hurt to tale warm bath in salt water and soak it too, then clean with soap and water after to keep bath water from infecting it more. OK. Good luck. No more plucking, I have lots of breast hair and I kept it all, I always joke that I have hair on my chest and no man ever complained, they don't care it's a breast.lol

Answer 2

I would recommend she go to a dr. They have low income clinics that won't change much, if even at all. It sounds like a boil and it can turn into a staph infection. She can take a warm compress to it (a hot wash rag). That will bring the infection closer to the surfice and also bring it to a head. Hold the wash clothe on there for about 10 minutes, 4-5 times a day. She needs to try and not mess with it to much, other than the compresses. The more she fiddles with it, the more infected it can become. Keep it clean and dry. Try the warm compresses, if that doesn't help, I think she needs to go to a dr.

Answer 3

Twice daily cleaning with soap and water followed with application of neosporin to combat infection and Warm compresses. Don't try to "pop" it for a couple of days. I know its painful but it will let the immune system do its job and possibly help it out. Keep it covered with a bandage to reduce friction on the area from clothing. It will also help to keep it from scabbing over and the hair might come out on its own. If you know anyone that has kids, borrow a diaper. If you fill it with water and microwave it about 30secs it makes a good compress. Just don't overheat it the plastic will melt. Wrap it in a towel don't lay on bare skin. It will stay warmer than a washcloth and less likely to burn you than a heating pad. Good luck and get better soon.

Answer 4

Yes she should go to the doctor and get some antibiotics and possibly get it drained because the infection could go into her bloodstream and cause serious problems. If your local hospital has a Nurse Help Line where you call and ask a nurse questions you could try that.

But if she wants to try home remedies she might try hot compresses on the area and triple antibiotic salve as often as possible, the tube label should say how often you can use it.

Answer 5

Sounds like an infection in a gland or a cancer.She needs to get to dr. right away

Answer 6

If she can't see the hair, it's discolored & there's puss coming out of it. I'd go to the dr.or a free clinic if you have them.

Answer 7

Yup- she probably should. Or try calling a doctor - maybe they'd give you a hint about what to do without making an appt.

Answer 8

if the sore is infected and has puss i suggest u see a dr .... it might get worse and make her really sick

good luck and i hope it gets better

Answer 9

yes

Answer 10

well......i dunno anything she can do for it herself...but she could try to go to a doctor for it....maybe a dermatologist? but she may not can afford it since she has no health insurance....i kno how that is....but theres not much to do.....try lookin online for somethings that may help thas over the counter