Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Pimple On Forehead And Swollen Cheek And Eyelid?
Question: I have been on antibiotics for two days for a infected pimple on my forehead. It is still very painful and hard to the touch.Tonight my cheek and eyelid became very swollen--not sure what I should do. My face feels warm and I have a headache.
Brief Answer:
Furuncle
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic
I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query. I have understood it.
I would keep a possibility of Furuncle/boil, which is bacterial infection of the hair follicle with surrounding cellulitis. The infection usually gaining entry through the hair follicle.
The best way to approach is to start on an empirical oral antibiotic for a week OR 10 days (My choice of empirical oral antibiotics are either Amoxycillin 500mg in combination with clavulanic acid 125 mg, thrice daily, for a week OR Cephalexin 500mg thrice daily OR Cefadroxil 500mg twice daily, for a week). This would take care of the infection.
You are on the right antibiotic, Kephlix is cephalexin, and I would suggest that you continue with it (500mg three times a day) for a another 5 days. Antibiotics can take upto 3-5 days to produce a noticeable improvement.
An OTC antibacterial cream/ointment e.g 2% mupirocin can be applied twice daily.
An OTC pain killer e.g ibuprofen once or twice daily would help you deal with the pain and reduce swelling and discomfort
If the lesion does'nt respond or continue to enlarge, it may have to be incised to drain the pus
Regards
Take care
Furuncle
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic
I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query. I have understood it.
I would keep a possibility of Furuncle/boil, which is bacterial infection of the hair follicle with surrounding cellulitis. The infection usually gaining entry through the hair follicle.
The best way to approach is to start on an empirical oral antibiotic for a week OR 10 days (My choice of empirical oral antibiotics are either Amoxycillin 500mg in combination with clavulanic acid 125 mg, thrice daily, for a week OR Cephalexin 500mg thrice daily OR Cefadroxil 500mg twice daily, for a week). This would take care of the infection.
You are on the right antibiotic, Kephlix is cephalexin, and I would suggest that you continue with it (500mg three times a day) for a another 5 days. Antibiotics can take upto 3-5 days to produce a noticeable improvement.
An OTC antibacterial cream/ointment e.g 2% mupirocin can be applied twice daily.
An OTC pain killer e.g ibuprofen once or twice daily would help you deal with the pain and reduce swelling and discomfort
If the lesion does'nt respond or continue to enlarge, it may have to be incised to drain the pus
Regards
Take care
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
