How To Rule Out An Abscess?

Posted on Tue, 1 Dec 2015

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

Tue, 1 Dec 2015 Answered on

Thu, 17 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Is this an abscess?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably yes, as explained below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit very short and specific and the very clear picture (image).
It shows clearly that there is a redness in the center, peu d'orange at the superior level and yellow appearance at inferior level.
This is definitely cellulitis.
If it is more than 3 days old, the real abscess (liquefaction of the cellulitis) is usually present. This further depend upon the antibiotic that you might have taken and the anti-inflammatory medicine.

I hope this answer your query.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (6 minutes later)

Thought i would just make the initial question direct and to the point. It's been about 7 days, i did hot compresses on it for 4 days, have been taking 800mg of ibuprofen approx. every 4 hours, no antibiotics. Back story for me: no major medical conditions. I do have alopecia, but that's it.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
An abscess.

Detailed Answer:
Oh, thanks.
This is called on-the-spot diagnosis in our medical jargon.
Yes this is an abscess, then with the history you have provided.
Requesting you to take Ibuprofen at 8 hourly interval, after food and tale a PPI like Omeprazole to avoid gastritis associated with it.
Antibiotic is needed as may also a nick- incision may be a better option.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (2 minutes later)

Alrighty. Thank you. I'm about to head off to urgent care and get it cut and drained then. I appreciate the quick response.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sincere thanks and most welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation
...
You may please rate this answer before closure of the discussion and can certainly contact me on the bellow link in future, whenever you may need me.
http://bit.ly/askdrtchandrakant

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar