What Causes Small Hard Sore On Arm?

Posted on Sun, 2 Nov 2014

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

Sun, 2 Nov 2014 Answered on

Wed, 26 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a small sore on my arm with a pin size hole in the middle. The sore is hard and does not have any puss in it. It's tender to the touch and is red around the bump

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

It looks like you might be having folliculitis which is nothing but infection of the root of the hair follicles and also the sweat glands.
Here is what I suggest

1. Keep the area dry and clean
2. Wash with soap and water daily
3. Avoid repeatedly touching for pinching it
4. I usually prescribe my patients tab dalacin c 600 mg twice daily for 5 days, it shows good results. Please approach a general physician for a prescription

It will settle down in a week's time. However watch out for
1. Increase in size
2. Increase in tenderness and redness
3. Pus formation

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 minutes later)

The pin size hole on top, if I leave it alone, gets white and crusty. Does this change anything

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for getting

Crusting and white discharge is part of the infection. It will require treatment with antibiotics as suggested. It will help me if you could attach a picture of the small sore

Regards

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