How Can A Pus Filled Blister On The Leg Be Treated?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have what started as a tiny blister. Now I have swollen leg and foot. It looks like there is blood and pus on it.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Incision and drainage of pus and antibiotic will be needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query and picture. It looks like there is collection of pus. So incision and drainage of pus will be needed. I would also advise to take oral strong antibiotic. Antibiotics like Co Amoxiclav will be helpful. This is given in dosage of 625 mg twice daily for 7 to10 days. Dressing should be done with glycerin magsulf and betadine till the wound is clean.

This needs to be done urgently and you will need to go to the hospital at the earliest.

Your blood sugar levels should be checked also.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (21 hours later)

What can I do to drain the fluid and reduce the swelling. It has a burning feeling and hurts more when I am standing for a couple of minutes. What can be the causes of this? It only started as a small blister and brought this huge inflammation and infection.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infection and inflammation spread to adjacent area.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up query. Infection and inflammation has spread to adjacent tissues. It is called cellulitis. You need to take a strong antibiotic.
For removing the collection you can apply dressing with glycerin magsulf and betadine ointment. Glycerin magsulf has a property to absorp puss or debris.
If not improving then consult your local doctor for incision and drainage.
Let me know if anything not clear.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Nishad BN (14 hours later)

I am taking antibiotics for it now. However, I still have the burning feeling and hurts a lot specially when I stand for the first few minutes. Blood and pus still inside. Swelling is still there. I know I only took the antibiotic for only 1 day; I am trying to find out if there is anything I can do.

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can do dressing with glycerin magsulf and betadine.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome again.

Thank you for your follow up.

You can dress with glycerin magsulf and betadine. Put additional gauze pads one above other on the affected area. This will help to release the puss. But if no improvement then incision should be done to drain all pus. For this you should consult your local doctor.
Applying metrogyl solution or powdered tablet of metronidazole for local application is also good

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana