What Causes A Painful Red Lump At The Injection Site After Injecting Hydrocortisone?

Posted on Mon, 24 Jul 2017

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

Mon, 24 Jul 2017 Answered on

Thu, 17 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : The first pic was aprox 3 weeks ago and it was the size of a pea and the 2nd was taken last night after a cortisone shot. He is in a lot of pain, his leg is swollen and hot. He can barely walk and the lump is alostvthe size of a dollar coin. The dermatologist made it worst. What can he do? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be furuncle, oral & topical medicines

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at HealthcareMagic
I have reviewed the attached photographs and it seems to be furuncle which is bacterial infection of the hair follicle.
If I was her treating doctor I would recommend her to take oral and topical antibiotics and anti inflammatory medicines.
I would recommend her to take capsule cephalexin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days and apply fusidic acid cream or mupirocin cream on the affected areas twice daily.
Also take tablet ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
These are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Is it redness, pain and swelling on affected area a side effect of hydrocortisone injection?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hydrocortisone injection can aggravate redness and swelling

Detailed Answer:
Pain, redness and swelling are common in a furuncle because of the inflammation associated with it.
Hydrocortisone injection can definitely aggravate redness and swelling as it is a steroid and will worsen the infection.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 days later)

He is going to the hospital, the pain gotten worse and its very inflammed. Whatever he has inside got bigger. Should i ask any particular test or biopsy?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Complete blood count and pus culture

Detailed Answer:
Hi
You can ask for complete blood count and pus culture if required.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj