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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: Hello I am a 40 year old male and have had a swollen neck lymph node for 2 months now. It's on the left side about mid way up and more toward the back. Started I had a pimple on my scalp about 3 inches above it get infected. It was very swollen about the size of walnut when I first noticed it. Over 2 weeks it did shrink on its own to about half size. Went to GP and he said nothing to worry about since there was a reason for it. Gave me antibiotics. Within 2 days of the antibiotics it went down to its current size which is around the size of a double grain of rice or so. Should I refer back to GP? Called and doc said its most likely "shotty" and may be that way for a long time. Should I get a second opinion?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are having inflammatory lymph node swelling.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the query.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

After reading your clinical history it appears that you are having inflammatory lymph node swelling secondary to pimple on your scalp.

If I were your treating doctor , I would advice
You should refer back to your GP .This neck lymph node will now decrease slowly .
Use antibiotic + steroid ointment for pimple in scalp .

No need to worry about lymph node , nothing serious .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (21 minutes later)

Thank You. Put my mind at ease. Just ran into my GP at a local eatery and he checked and said still nothing to worry about. He said it currently is about half pea sized and feels inflated / inflamed. Would the steroid help with the inflammation? Also the pimple has been healed for 3 weeks now could it still be from that?

Thanks Again!

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (5 minutes later)

Also should I massage it or leave it alone? I have been prodding at it a lot. Does massage help to shrink?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to take steroid for such small lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for the follow up query.

No need to take steroid tablet for such small lymph node . Tablet Steroid will have their own side effect . Pea sized lymph node will be their for long time since scarring will be their after inflammation .
It will require long time to come to normal size .
No need to message it .
Use antibiotic + steroid ointment twice on it . It will shrink gradually .
Since pimple heal 3 weeks now , Neck Lymph node infection not because of it now.
It is a initial infection transfer to neck lymph node from pimple still their in healing stage .
Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (11 minutes later)

thanks again,

so still nothing to worry about on the lymph node correct?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Yes ,
No need to worry about lymph node .
Nothing Serious .
Just require long time to decrease in size.
No Antibiotic+ Steroid gel or ointment is not over the counter .

You will need to see your doctor to get a prescription .

Wish you good health.

Thanks.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T