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Can Mashing Of The Boil Under The Arm Be The Reason For Having Symptoms Of Flu?
Hi, My name is Katherine. I have a boil under my right arm and it started to drain by itself, then I mashed it to get more blood and puss out. Immediately right after I suddenly feel flu-like symptoms, does this mean I have staph? Do I still need to mash it more to get the white head out?
posted on
Sat, 5 Oct 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 21 Jan 2014
Answered on
Wed, 22 Jan 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
Squeezing or mashing a large pus filled boil could lead to spread of infection. Flu like symptoms could be due to the boil itself rather than mashing the boil. You need a course of oral antibiotics like cloxacillin or cephalexin for 5-7 days. You could also apply 2% mupirocin cream on the boil. You could also benefit from hot compresses.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
Welcome to healthcare magic.
Squeezing or mashing a large pus filled boil could lead to spread of infection. Flu like symptoms could be due to the boil itself rather than mashing the boil. You need a course of oral antibiotics like cloxacillin or cephalexin for 5-7 days. You could also apply 2% mupirocin cream on the boil. You could also benefit from hot compresses.
Hope this helps you.
Take care.
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