How Long Does It Take For Facial Swelling To Reduce?

Posted on Wed, 11 Apr 2012

Question: I've got sinisitis and a large (1 inch) hard lump under my skin on the side of my nose near my sinisis. The lump feels like a boil or a cyst but there is no head on it. On Sunday I woke up with facial swelling (from under my eye to halfway between my nose and mouth). I went to the dr on Monday and I've been taking clarithromycin (5ml twice a day) since (for 60 hours- 6 doses) and applying bactroban cream to the lump.

The sinisitis isn't painful anymore but I haven't noticed any difference in the facial swelling or a reduction in size of the lump. There is redness to the lump, but not to the surrounding area. I keep applying ice to try and reduce the swelling but its not making any difference.

Do I need to give it more time or go back to the doctors for stronger antibiotics for the skin infection?

Is there anything else I can do?

I'm 42, 5'3, 8 stone, fit and well with no medical problems.

Answered by Dr. Jasvinder Singh (43 minutes later)

Hello,

Thanks for posting your query.

This lump on the side of the nose and the facial swelling looks like a boil or an abscess.

Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph. aureus and may occur due to hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams and petroleum jelly or by using shared cosmetics or wash-clothes.

Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics and warm compresses.

Also use an antibacterial soap.

Avoid any kind of cosmetics especially greasy cosmetic creams and if your hair has dandruff then use a good antidandruff shampoo.

It can be avoided by exercising good hygiene.

Topical antibiotics like Clindamycin and Neosporin are effective and you can get them prescribed.

Also keep taking the oral antibiotics as prescribed and talk to your doctor as you may also take some anti inflammatoru drugs like Ibuprofen.

Usually the symptoms should improve with the above mentioned methods. If the symptoms persist then you may need incision and drainage to drain out the pus.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Regards,

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. Shanthi.E