Wellness

[Shiloh09]

Who has had one and how was the course of treatment? I am currently on an additional antibiotic (today). My two knee replacements did not compare to ickiness of this thing! 

[maestra]

Keep the area clean, warm moist compresses help, but follow MD instructions, esp. w/antibiotics-finish everything.Change bed linens such as pillow cases and towels daily.

I've had a staph infection from staying at someones home that wasnt clean. I'm a fascist about clean linens, bathrooms, and kitchens.

[SilleeMee]

My husband had an ingrown hair on his behind that turned into a boil. I didn't know he had it until he developed flu-like symptoms. He then complained about feeling achy all over and that he had a pain on his cheek...not in those words, and I saw what he was talking about and told him to get into the tub with hot water to soak. I called the emergency room and asked if I should bring him in for the flu-like symptoms and that I thought the boil might have something to do with that. They said bring him in immediately and when I got there I told the doc that he was soaking in tub full of hot water just before we got there. Doc said that was the best thing to do to draw out the infection from the boil. My husband came very close to toxic shock that night and I am grateful to the ER who saved his life. 

Soaking a boil in hot water is what I would do along with the antibiotics.

ETA:  Bentonite clay pack - you may want to read about this also.

[geegerbee]

I would also recommend buying a tube of drawing salve--a black gooey tar-based lintment that draws out the infection.

[Nightowlz]

I had one on the outside of my left knee when I was 12. Don't know how it happened. Since I did not & still don't like doctors I never said anything about it to my parents. They found out when I started limping when it starting hurting more. My mom took me to the dispensary & they sprayed my knee with some freezing stuff, lanced it, stuffed it with gauze, wrapped up my knee & gave me crutches. I had to go back & have the gauze removed & repacked. I don't remember how often I had to do that. 

[Scooby Doo]

Is it a boil or a cyst?  A cyst needs to be removed by your doctor.  A boil larger than a pea size should also be lanced by your doctor.  Otherwise, soak in warm water to draw it to a head and let it break itself.  Do not stick it with a pin.  You can also hold a warm compress on it to help bring it to a head.  That should happen within 7 to 10 days.

[sidsmom]

This sounds like a job for Dr. Pimple Popper.

[Shiloh09]

Sid's mom.....all I can say is eeeewwwwwwww!!!!

Well I actually had it lanced and packed in ER on Monday after days of warm compresses. Followed up with own doctor today who was slightly concerned with redness around the wound. He adjusted the first antibiotic and added another. If this thing doesn't respond to this treatment I may need to talk to surgeon to have a larger area and remove any bacteria remaining. I am really stressed out about this! I would say worried...Not mention the amount of antibiotics I am taking...I have always been pretty vigilant about germs and cleanliness. I think I have taken it to a whole new level. Thanks for letting me vent...

[sidsmom]

@Shiloh09

Keep us posted....and thanks for sharing.

I think it’s a topic more common than not...and your experiences

might help someone in the future.  Don’t stress!  💚🌼💛

[jewel3]

A “boil” is a staph infection of the skin. This is nothing to fool around with as the infection can spread. Antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics are usually called for. The old fashioned remedies may work and that is all well, fine and good unless the infection spreads to your bones, muscles or bloodstream or a more dangerous bacteria invades.  Get advice from your doctor.