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Suggest Treatment For Infected Hair Follicle On Eyebrow

Posted on Mon, 11 Jan 2016

Question: how do i treat an infected hair on the eyebrow? my eye lid is completely swollen, because i picked at the pimple on the infected area. It has been 2 days now. area is not painful, but if touched is. Not hot , but this morning seemed red. See picture.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Folliculitis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM..

After reading history and seeing the photo, I deeply feel that most probably you may be having folliculitis. The lesion may be produced after minor trauma. And secondary bacterial infection after pricking the lesion would have exacerbated the lesion with erythema and oedema. You may consult dermatologist for the perfect diagnosis. Blood tests should be done to rule out DM,HIV and other immunocompromised conditions.

I would suggest...

- short course of antibiotics like cefuroxime 200 mg twice a day
- antiinflammatory drugs
- seratopeptidase tablets
- apply antibiotic cream like mupirocin cream

Do not worry,the lesion would regress in few days. Still, any query,kindly ask.

Thanks..

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (17 minutes later)

mupirocin cream, can i get this at my local pharmacy? I do not need a doctors prescription, in other words? also, how long will this take to heal, approximately?

what sort of anti-inflammatory drugs can i get at the pharmacy ? is an allergy medicine, such as zyrtec, ok to reduce eye swelling?

how many days should i have my swollen, before i need to go see a doctor, to get oral antibiotics? i was thinking, the eye lid should be better after a couple days. right? is it ok , to let it be this way , for that long> it is not painful, just irritating. My eye lid feels heavy, from the swelling.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Folliculitis most probably

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

1. Mupirocin is available over the counter at some location. Please check with your pharmacist.

2. A few antiinflammatory agent such as ibuprofen is available over the counter and may be used. However I prefer combination of paracetamol with aceclofenac in such cases. This isn't available over the counter.

3. Furthermore, I suggest we start a short course of antibiotic like cefuroxime now and not wait longer.

Therefore it is advisable to visit a local doctor and obtain a prescription script and treat this condition effectively.

If you still,you have any question..you are welcome.

I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

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. Prasad