Suggest Treatment For Skin Infection Between The Pelvis And Knee

Posted on Tue, 17 Jun 2014

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

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 Answered on

Thu, 3 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Was in Outerbanks NC. The last day I developed a small cluster of red bumps on my leg between my pelvis and knee. No itching, burning etc just red bumps. Two days after this I fund a swollen lymph node where my leg connects to my pelvis. The bumps started to get better with only three left. All three develop circular scabs in the middle. Never had a swollen lymph node in that region before and it makes me quite nervous. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oral antibiotics suggested...

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

From the picture you provided, it seems that it has to do with skin infection. It is normal to get skin infections when using public swimming pools or seashores.

It is good that you are using antibiotic ointment locally. The fact that all the other bumps have been subsided reveals that they are under healing process. It will take few more days until the remaining bumps will heal.

With regards to the swollen lymph node where your leg connects to the pelvis, that is a sign of local infection (bumps). At this point, apart using local antibiotic ointment, I suggest to start oral antibiotics. You need a prescription for that from your doctor. So, you can consult your family doctor or dermatologist to get the prescription.

Hope it helped! Let me know if I can assist you further!
Dr.Albana

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (6 minutes later)

Thanks...talked to my dad too and he is a doctor. He stated that if they are healing I could wait to see over a few days if healing continues. He said if they continue to heal and no "streaks" are appearing in my skin around bumps it is healing on its own. Is it ok in your opinion to wait for a doc visit and oral antibiotic treatment? I try to only take them when absolutely needed. Thanks again...

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wait and see...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up.

If you have already talked to your dad who is a doctor, that is great. So, can discuss with your dad to start oral antibiotic. He can prepare the prescription for you.

If I was your caring doctor would wait to see if the bumps are healing and if the lymph nodes will get back to normal size in a week time. If after 1 week of 10 days, the lymph node will still be swollen, I'd prescribe oral antibiotic.

Wish fast recovery! If you have further queries, do not hesitate to write me back! Otherwise, kindly close this discussion and rate my answer! Thank you!
Dr.Albana

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