Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Reddish Raised Bump On Left Forearm?
Posted on
Tue, 14 Apr 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 14 Apr 2015
Answered on
Thu, 30 Apr 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I have what appears to be a boil of some sort on my left forearm. It is a reddish raised bump. It doesn't ooze any pus. Not getting bigger, or smaller, it is not painful. It's been here about 10 days. I have just taken a couple of pix with my iphone if you want to see it.
Brief Answer:
warm soaks
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
From the photos that you have sent it could be a small abscess. It would be good for you to put some warm compresses on it. If it will open and drain the it may resolve on its own. Sometimes you have to see a doctor to get an abscess like this drained. Don't squeeze it as that could send infection into your blood and cause more serious problems. If it does not resolve soon, see a doctor for treatment. If you see red streaks from it or develop a fever go to emergency right away.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
warm soaks
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
From the photos that you have sent it could be a small abscess. It would be good for you to put some warm compresses on it. If it will open and drain the it may resolve on its own. Sometimes you have to see a doctor to get an abscess like this drained. Don't squeeze it as that could send infection into your blood and cause more serious problems. If it does not resolve soon, see a doctor for treatment. If you see red streaks from it or develop a fever go to emergency right away.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
This might seem like a dumb question, but I don't get too many bumps and bruises. ;-) .....so here's a couple of treatment Qs:
Is a warm wash cloth OK for a warm compress?
How tightly should I hold it onto the bump?
And about how long would you consider apropos, and how often repeated?
Holding a compress with one hand over the forearm of the other, kinda disables
a fella, if you know what I mean!
Is a warm wash cloth OK for a warm compress?
How tightly should I hold it onto the bump?
And about how long would you consider apropos, and how often repeated?
Holding a compress with one hand over the forearm of the other, kinda disables
a fella, if you know what I mean!
Brief Answer:
good questions
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up
Yes a warm washcloth is fine. Just keep it on with a rubber band or do it when you are not busy 3-4 times a day. When it gets cool then just take it off.
It does not need to be tight. Just need to get it warm so that hopefully it will drain.
Usually the warm compresses are applied for about 15 minutes 3-4 times a day.
Good luck and I hope it goes away soon. If not be sure to see a doctor.
Regards
Dr. Robinson
good questions
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up
Yes a warm washcloth is fine. Just keep it on with a rubber band or do it when you are not busy 3-4 times a day. When it gets cool then just take it off.
It does not need to be tight. Just need to get it warm so that hopefully it will drain.
Usually the warm compresses are applied for about 15 minutes 3-4 times a day.
Good luck and I hope it goes away soon. If not be sure to see a doctor.
Regards
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
