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Suggest Treatment For Furuncle

Posted on Fri, 17 Oct 2014

Question: I'm a 29 year old male. Thin or athletic build. About a year ago I got stretch marks out of nowhere on my inner thigh and groin going downward half way to my knees, with no weight fluctuations. I was very inactive and going through depression tho. I then began to get what appeared to be ingrown hairs or blood blisters on the scar tissue that left deep craters. I also get dark black heads that go deep and are thick. Then recently I got a lump with a rash around it that is uncomfortable. and feels almost like poison ivy without any exposure. I sent a pic of the lump. I am growing concerned and am emberassed to see someone. Please help me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have also seen the photographs.

This looks like a furuncle, which is bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues with surrounding cellulitis.

Is the lump painful or tender to touch?

I would suggest a week of oral antibiotics e.g Cephalexin 500 mg, three times a day for 7 days Or Cefadroxil 500 mg twice daily for a week.

Topically you may use an OTC antibacterial e.g 2% mupirocin cream twice daily.

An OTC painkiller e.g Ibuprofen 400 mg twice daily would provide you symptomatic relief from pain.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

The lump is hard and tender. I wouldn't say painful, but i can't squeeze on it. The rash around it feels like thick skin, like poison ivy does. I feel it on my jeans and it is painful through the day by rubbing. It's nothing viral or anything is it? I haven't been with anyone with herpes to my knowledge, but hearing that it's not that would put my mind to ease. Also, what about the stretch marks? are they all related? The stretch marks run deep and almost feel as tho the muscle is even torn. I don't even understand why I got stretch marks. I'm thin.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This is furuncle, a bacterial infection, not viral or herpes. Oral antibiotics as I mentioned above, would be effective.

Stretch marks are unrelated. They may be a consequence of some medication for an unrelated condition, that you may have taken orally in the past.

Any history of treatment with oral steroids or application of topical steroid creams in the groin region?

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 minutes later)

No oral steroids or cream. I did use some stretch mark lotion OTC. I have been getting these for a few months now. possibly over 6. The lump is different than the ones I got before. usually they are similar to pimples, but much deeper. can be drained at various difficulties. This one feels more tight and inflammed. A very slight burning sensation. Thank you for the good news on it not being viral. I was concerned because it kinda looked like it could be to me. I liked of Furuncle. All the pictures online looked as if they have heads. And this one does not. Do I attempt to drain it, or leave it alone? What can be causing the outbreaks? I don't sweat excessively and I'm not over weight.

I was on a few medications when the marks arose. Antidepressants, Lamictol, Aderall, valium. I also had a poor diet, including high sugar intake. Now all I take is Vyvanse. I was going thorough a tough time, I was not taking very good care of myself, when I noticed that I had black marks in the shape of stretch marks on my inner thigh. Very black marks. It was not until then that I started getting blood blisters on them. It almost looked at the time like the black marks were where my genes were tight on my thighs after prolong sitting and not sleeping.

Thank you for speaking with me. I have insurance, but am very sensitive about seeing someone. This has been stressing me for some time...

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This is indeed a bacterial infection, furuncle, which is a type of skin and soft tissue infections(SSTI's). It is deep and therefore there is surrounding cellulitis. Pus head may not form initially because it is deep.

I would suggest you to start on oral antibiotics. It might form a head and drain in a few days.

The medicines that you mention are not necessarily associated with stretch marks

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar