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Does A Sudden Red Line From Ones Armpit Cause Concern
Question: Does a sudden red line from ones armpit cause concern . I Am inSingapore on business & while here I have received a lot of acupuncture from a TCM Dr.?? Thank you in advance
Brief Answer:
Lymphangitis is likely- treatment recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Very likely what you are experiencing is lymphangitis. This is a superficial skin infection that affects the lymphatic vessels. This may be due to the punctures that you have had. The skin is a barrier and when that barrier is pierced, bacteria may enter into deeper layers and cause infection.
A fungal infection may be the cause in some cases. Having a picture of the lesion may help better determine the real cause and give more accurate advice
On the other hand, lymphangitis, is generally not a serious condition but antibiotics may be needed. Cefalexin 500 mg every 8 hours for 5-7 days is a good choice. Please remember that the choice of antibiotics depends on your allergies, if you are allergic to penicillins or certain antibiotics this is important information.
Antibiotics are generally prescription drugs, which means you will need to have a doctor's prescription to access them.
Meanwhile, you can use some ibuprofen (600 mg every 8 hours after food) to release pain and swelling in case you experience these.
As for a fungal infection in the area, a local antifungal cream would help improve it.
I hope this answers your query and is helpful, but please, if possible upload a picture or two of the lesion as this can be very helpful. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
I wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Lymphangitis is likely- treatment recommended
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Very likely what you are experiencing is lymphangitis. This is a superficial skin infection that affects the lymphatic vessels. This may be due to the punctures that you have had. The skin is a barrier and when that barrier is pierced, bacteria may enter into deeper layers and cause infection.
A fungal infection may be the cause in some cases. Having a picture of the lesion may help better determine the real cause and give more accurate advice
On the other hand, lymphangitis, is generally not a serious condition but antibiotics may be needed. Cefalexin 500 mg every 8 hours for 5-7 days is a good choice. Please remember that the choice of antibiotics depends on your allergies, if you are allergic to penicillins or certain antibiotics this is important information.
Antibiotics are generally prescription drugs, which means you will need to have a doctor's prescription to access them.
Meanwhile, you can use some ibuprofen (600 mg every 8 hours after food) to release pain and swelling in case you experience these.
As for a fungal infection in the area, a local antifungal cream would help improve it.
I hope this answers your query and is helpful, but please, if possible upload a picture or two of the lesion as this can be very helpful. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.
I wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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