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What Causes A Large Red, Painful Acne Like Pimple On The Back?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Nov 2015
Twitter Wed, 25 Nov 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 15 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : Not sure if I should consult a Dermatologist, general physician or a surgeon about this.
Actually, my wife has got a large red, painful acne/pimple on the back (between the shoulder blades).It has been growing gradually since last 2 weeks.

Kindly review the pictures in links below and advise what to do.

Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/DyRimSmcujbg1PTZA
https://goo.gl/photos/c4CcTZCMkgkE1JRR8

Video: https://goo.gl/photos/yV12HL8zkdxyezSx8
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Infected sebaceous cyst;Oral antibiotics for week followed by cyst excision

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have read your query and I have also reviewed the Image.

This seems like a sebaceous cyst. Since it is painful, red and has also probably increased in size therefore that suggests that the cyst has probably got infected i.e a sebaceous cyst complicated by infection.
If I was the treating doctor I would suggest a course of an Oral antibiotic, preferably an aminopenicillin + clavulanic acid combination e.g either Augmentin or Clavum 625 mg thrice daily for week. This would take care of the infection and accompanying pain, redness and swelling.
In addition I would also suggest an oral antiinflammatory/ painkiller e.g ibuprofen tablet, twice or thrice daily for symptomatic relief from pain.
Once the infection resolves with a week of oral antibiotics, thereafter, the cyst need to be surgically removed in order to prevent this from happening again. This minor surgery can be done either by a surgeon Or a dermatologist therefore I suggest that you may visit either of them firstly for a prescription of an Oral antibiotic to help resolve infection and later for cyst excision surgery.

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

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9600 Questions

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What Causes A Large Red, Painful Acne Like Pimple On The Back?

Brief Answer: Infected sebaceous cyst;Oral antibiotics for week followed by cyst excision Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have read your query and I have also reviewed the Image. This seems like a sebaceous cyst. Since it is painful, red and has also probably increased in size therefore that suggests that the cyst has probably got infected i.e a sebaceous cyst complicated by infection. If I was the treating doctor I would suggest a course of an Oral antibiotic, preferably an aminopenicillin + clavulanic acid combination e.g either Augmentin or Clavum 625 mg thrice daily for week. This would take care of the infection and accompanying pain, redness and swelling. In addition I would also suggest an oral antiinflammatory/ painkiller e.g ibuprofen tablet, twice or thrice daily for symptomatic relief from pain. Once the infection resolves with a week of oral antibiotics, thereafter, the cyst need to be surgically removed in order to prevent this from happening again. This minor surgery can be done either by a surgeon Or a dermatologist therefore I suggest that you may visit either of them firstly for a prescription of an Oral antibiotic to help resolve infection and later for cyst excision surgery. Regards