
Suggest Remedies For A Painful Red Skin Boil Under The Arm

Question: My 16 yr old son has an under the skin boil or cyst. It has touched the surface like a head. But is very painful. Have started him on 200mg of Doxycycline. The skin is red and a bit swollen, about 3 inches from the armpit down the bicep area. He's been on the doxy 2 full days now. (not a lot of time yet.) Should we trust the doxy treatment? Or should we get a further consult for a stronger antibiotic?
Brief Answer:
may need incision and drainage
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It has possible, based on your description, that the infection has evolved to form an abscess which is simply a localized collection of pus.
An abscess can be very painful.
Definitive treatment requires incision and drainage of the abscess which can be done in a GP office.
This is required for effective treatment of any abscess because the antibiotics usually cannot effectively penetrate the pus.
Once the abscess is incised , there would be almost immediate pain relief.
The antibiotic would be continued.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may need incision and drainage
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It has possible, based on your description, that the infection has evolved to form an abscess which is simply a localized collection of pus.
An abscess can be very painful.
Definitive treatment requires incision and drainage of the abscess which can be done in a GP office.
This is required for effective treatment of any abscess because the antibiotics usually cannot effectively penetrate the pus.
Once the abscess is incised , there would be almost immediate pain relief.
The antibiotic would be continued.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Ok thank you.
Brief Answer:
no prob
Detailed Answer:
If there are any other queries, can let me know
Wish him the best ,should be perfectly fine
no prob
Detailed Answer:
If there are any other queries, can let me know
Wish him the best ,should be perfectly fine
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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