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How Do I Tell Whether The Painful Hard Lumps On
Question: How do I tell whether the painful hard lumps on my arm that have blood and pus coming out of them when I press on them to relieve pressure and pain are abscesses, phlebitis, blood clots, a blocked vein or a serious infection like staph that I need to be seen in the ER for? I am a meth user who injects and have been having recurring issues in the same spots that seem to keep getting refilled with more blood and pus even after draining what I can get out? I sometimes use the same needle at least a few times until its too dull and I have to use a new one and that is what im pretty sure is causing the problem along with overuse of the same veins in the same arm too many times. How can I self treat at home and avoid going to the ER where I will be treated very ugly and with total lack of compassion or sympathy and they will not want to help me at all or be worried about easing my pain and treat me like I don't deserve any pain relief at all.
Brief Answer:
You do need a doctor's help to assess the gravity of cause followed by spec
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.I understand your concern.
*The cause of problem is obviously... pricking veins ..using same vein &same needle many times till it gets blunt.
-This history goes in favour of phlebitis(injury &inflammation of vein) getting detoriated with blood clot... still worst when it gets infected to form abscess. phlebitis &following complications (as described above)typically have pain,redness along path of a vein with bulging of vessel.
-when you prick repeatedly with same needle till it gets impossible to prick( being blunt )..there is possibility of injuring blood vessel wall as well as surrounding soft tissue & cause inflammation, infection, tenderness &red indurated skin surrounding the lesion (cellulitis &abscess)
* These signs would help in guessing the type of lesion you have
*Control of blood sugar/avoiding smoking /avoiding or changing female hormones(if you are taking)are other risk factors to be taken care of .
* *A keen history taking followed by examination &investigations are must in such case.Of you are afraid of ER management... go to a your family physician for primary evaluation followed by specific treatment (antibiotics, with full drainage )or reference to a vascular surgeon
I hope that helps you .Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
**If I am to treat such case ...I wouldadvise-
-Full physical check up along with blood work,Diabetic profile &USG of the part.Also culture &sensitivity of pus . Aproper diagnosis is a must for the long problem you have.&home remedy should be avoided.
-
-Incision &drainage under antibiotic cover/good diabetic control
You do need a doctor's help to assess the gravity of cause followed by spec
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for the query.I understand your concern.
*The cause of problem is obviously... pricking veins ..using same vein &same needle many times till it gets blunt.
-This history goes in favour of phlebitis(injury &inflammation of vein) getting detoriated with blood clot... still worst when it gets infected to form abscess. phlebitis &following complications (as described above)typically have pain,redness along path of a vein with bulging of vessel.
-when you prick repeatedly with same needle till it gets impossible to prick( being blunt )..there is possibility of injuring blood vessel wall as well as surrounding soft tissue & cause inflammation, infection, tenderness &red indurated skin surrounding the lesion (cellulitis &abscess)
* These signs would help in guessing the type of lesion you have
*Control of blood sugar/avoiding smoking /avoiding or changing female hormones(if you are taking)are other risk factors to be taken care of .
* *A keen history taking followed by examination &investigations are must in such case.Of you are afraid of ER management... go to a your family physician for primary evaluation followed by specific treatment (antibiotics, with full drainage )or reference to a vascular surgeon
I hope that helps you .Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
**If I am to treat such case ...I wouldadvise-
-Full physical check up along with blood work,Diabetic profile &USG of the part.Also culture &sensitivity of pus . Aproper diagnosis is a must for the long problem you have.&home remedy should be avoided.
-
-Incision &drainage under antibiotic cover/good diabetic control
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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