I Have Two Abscesses In My Left Armpit. One Is

Posted on Mon, 3 Jun 2019

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

Mon, 3 Jun 2019 Answered on

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Question : I have two abscesses in my left armpit. one is at the tip of the armpit and is about a half inch in diameter and the other is at the base of my armpit and is much bigger- between one and a half inch in diameter but goes deeper in to my arm. They are both very painful and like an idiot I tried to squeeze them after applying a hot compress and nothing happened but now they are very irritated and there is a red circle around them. if I leave them alone the area seems to be less red and dissipates but obviously if I touch then or use my arm a lot it grows. At this point I feel its necessary to tell you I was smoking very low quality freebase cocaine the week before this and my friend says this could just be my body bushing out the crap. Both boils appear to be coming to a head of sorts. Can I Just wait it out and let them gather and drain on their own or do I need to go to the hospital?

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please consult your Doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I saw the pics.
Both of them look like Abscesses.
Please do not wait form them to get ruptured.
Consult your Surgeon and proceed accordingly.
Antibiotic like Linezolid and Anti inflammatory tablets are necessary even after drainage.
Nothing to worry.
Hope I answered your query.If you have any questions,I will clarify further.
Wish you good health
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (28 minutes later)

ask my surgeon? what kind of answer is that? this is America- I do not have a surgeon of my own. you did not answer my question at all.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I mean to say that you should consult your regular doctor,if possible Surge

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Sorry for the way I communicated.
I requested you to go to a Hospital and consult your regular doctor,particularly a Surgeon.
Before giving an Incision over the swellings,it's better to confirm the nature of them.If pus is collected only, it has to be drained.Ultrasound of the swellings will give a clue.
Some experienced doctors will tell the nature of the swelling by Clinical examination.
At this stage,pus will not come spontaneously.
Please go to a Hospital and proceed further.
Wish you speedy recovery.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana