Has been diagnosed as Cellulitus bacterial infection. Dr gave me antibiotics and told me to come back in 4 days as it wasnt ready to drain. His English wasnt great and he seemed in a hurry so I didnt get an answer to any questions. How would this be drained? I am in excruciating pain constantly with this. The nurse said I will have to have it drained under general anaesthetic but there may be some chance that the antibiotics will work. How long will it take to recover? The left side of my labia major is swollen to about 3 times its normal size and is very hot and tender. Have any of you ever experienced this and if so have you any advice. My personal hygiene is excellent so I dont understand how this happened. I am terrified !
2007-02-12 02:30:36 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
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(FYI, even after a doc's appointment, and you have further questions, you can always call the doctor's office back and ask to speak to a nurse. She'll contact the doc in-between patients' appointments and get more info for you. I hate that too, when you get rushed...)
These are two different issues. Apparently, you have cellulitis bacterial infection, that can be caused by exposure to strep or staph bacteria, through a small break in the skin, or they aren't really sure how it starts. It infects the "lymph" area in the tissue. It responds well to antibiotics and they give you that to prevent it spreading to internal organs.
And, you also have a hair follicle infection, related to the cellulitus infection. Did the doc/nurse suggest a "sitz bath" for hair follicle infection? Eg, sit in a (cleaned) tub of warm to hot water a couple of times a day for 20 minutes or so. Water helps to heal the tissue in those areas. Warm/hot compresses work, also. (The advice is pretty good by others here to try to open the infection and squeeze it out, but be prepared if it doesn't come out it will make it more painful. )
The tissue starts to heal itself, too, when the drugs kick in.
For now, be sure to wear loose clothing, especially clothing that "breathes" -- cotton, silk, some rayons, etc. NOT polyester/spandex which are man-made fibers. Wear silk skirts, and a pair of silk men's boxers for a while, or nothing underneath if you are ok with that. Think loose and comfortable. Take tylenol or naproxen for the pain.
In four days, see the doc.
GOOD LUCK !!
2007-02-12 02:42:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was also just diagnosed with Cellulitis (I'm a male btw). It all started with a pimple-like structure in the pubic are (similar to folliculitis) and (over a day or two) flared up to this big hard painful lump, and then I got red, swollen and tender lymph nodes at the sides. It was turning into a systemic infection and I was getting high fever and chills, so I was prescribed antibiotics by IV infusion. Dr told me it should stop the infection in a few days hopefully. I just got my first infusion today and will go back for 5 more, hopefully it'll heal by itself, but I'm not sure if it will require drainage. From my understanding, as long as you are in touch with your Dr, and keep under control, it's not something to be worried about much. If left untreated, I think that's when it can become dangerous, so I'd stick with the antibiotics as the Dr recommended it.
2007-02-13 16:19:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, unfortunately sometimes when these infections dont drain, you will have to have it lanced, this is not pleasant, but it is the only way.
A few years ago i had the same thing at the end of my tail bone, and like you the antibiotics did not work so i was admitted into hosiptal, were they cut it open and drained the infection, unfortunately for me because it was so infected (the docs werent very helpful t start and just kept giving me more anti's) there was quite an area open, so when they had done it they had to pack it with gauze, as you cant stitch a wound like this as it will only get infected again, it has to heal from the inside out, this takes time but its worth it. As yours is in a very sensitive area i dont know how that would work, but you should go to casualty/A & E and get them to look at it, thats what i had to do, doctors will keepo trying medication unless you force them to send you to the hospital. which is definately the best option.
Good luck
2007-02-12 22:16:24 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cellulitus isn't something to be messed around with. I am shocked you didn't get a prescription for an antibiotic such as Keflex.
Draining would sound more alike a boil or similar contained infection. I get these from time to time, yes in that area as well as on my thighs. Often they pop on their own, never squeeze them, it makes them worse...if you can imagine.
If you are running a fever and the infection is spreading like some creeping crud, I'd be at the emergency room. Otherwise, it may be a contained infection and not as serious.
2007-02-12 02:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by fluffernut 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you shave... It's probably from a dirty razor maybe a rusty one?
If you wax... Its probably from a dirty wax that is over used and not heated up enough to kill the bacteria or going over one spot too many times, enough to cause bleeding?
Either way, ingrown hairs tend to harbor infection sometimes... You could get a drawing salve next time you notice anything before it comes to an infection?
That's why I am a bit of a jungle girl! I don't trust anyone else to do it for me and I don't really care enough to pamper my kitty... I let her be wild. She's happier like that!
That is horrible! Im so sorry for you. I hope you get better soon. When they drain it, it will relieve the pain and pressure and rid you of the infection. It might hurt a little but it will be okay afterward.
It has never happened to me so I really don't have any experiences to share with you....
Make sure you follow through and if the doctor can;t help you or comfort you... get a second opinion fast!
That is not the place to be getting infections!
I would lay in bed spread eagle and air it out... no tight fitting clothing or coverings!
2007-02-12 02:41:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from this painful condition. Poor hygiene is not the only cause of such an infection so don't worry. It can also be caused by repetitive friction from clothing, for example. The antibiotics may well get rid of the infection. If, however, it is necessary to drain the abcess this is done by making a tiny incision with a sterile surgical blade under general anaesthetic. It sounds drastic but, believe me, the relief from pain that this will afford you is priceless.
Best wishes, J
2007-02-12 02:39:04 · answer #6 · answered by sirjulian 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The antiboiotics will proably help... I just got over a infected cyst in my armpit and it was terrible!
soak the area with a towel wet with salt water which can help bring the infection to a head and then it will be eaiser to drain.
Don't worry if the doctor has to drain it, it has to be better than the pain.... They willl numb you and possibly give you a sedative if your nervous, then they will lance the thing and drain all the fluid out... You willl probably continue takeing antibiotics for a bit and thats it!
also I wash my body with antibacterial soap every time I shower it really helps with acne, but don't use it on the pubic area as it can kill good bacteria...
I hope everything works out, and don't worry life will be much better after the surgury... :]
2007-02-12 02:45:54 · answer #7 · answered by mindfog27 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't worry...it happens to lots of people...it is usually caused by shaving or rubbing against panty material. If you have to get it drained you'll get a needle to freeze the area, then the doc will make a small incision with a scalpel and squeeze out all the infection...it will be such a relief!! If you want to avoid this in the future...instead of shaving or waxing, try using a personal trimmer.
2007-02-12 02:42:44 · answer #8 · answered by Redawg J 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She's probably just starting puberty. I think my pubic hair grew in at 8 or 9, and I got sort of small breasts. I didn't start wearing deodorant until age 11 or so, but everyone's different. I wouldn't worry about it for now. If she starts her period soon, I'd tell the doctor you're concerns.
2016-03-29 03:26:13 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also suffer from this problem.I have tryed just about everything from home remedies to lancing the boil.The antibiotics will help also if you can take a hot bath and soak in it this will help it come to a head.Another thing I have found (it will sound crazy) Is making a compress of huntz tomato paste and put a hot compress over it the acid in the tomato paste pulls everything up and also seams to help ease the pain.Good luck
2007-02-12 02:47:23 · answer #10 · answered by Heather T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋