Hello,
I'm in quite a lot of pain with an abscess under my arm which is rather large and very inflammed. I was given antibiotics yesterday so hopefully it will clear up soon. In the mean time I am taking Ibuprofen for the pain, and I was also wondering if anyone could suggest or advise me of a cream that i could use to help with the inflammation and pain. I can barely move my arm at the moment as its soo sore and painful!! :dft006:
Whether it's right or left arm can sometimes shed light on what is going on. I presume this has been diagnosed by the GP, and I'm wondering what other tests/investigations have been done, or are pending?
I would certainly suggest avoiding all deodorants and use loose fitting bras only without undewires to let the drainage of the whole area be unimpeded.
Epsom salts baths may help, or topical drawing out paste (2 quid from boots) on unbroken areas can make a massive difference, but under the circumstances please check with your GP before either of these. Please do not embark on any treatments without first coordinating it with your GP.
And you might be pretty run-down, hence if you can take a break form work so much the better.
Thank you for your reply.
The abscess is under my left arm. I saw a nurse at the GP surgery yesterday. To be perfectly honest I didnt feel that she examined the area properly. It is very inflammed and deeply rooted, and its also been expanding in size each day, hense the overall soreness and pain. She prescribed me with antibiotics and sent me on my way. I asked if it can be drained but apparently nothing can be done until a head is showing.
The topical drawing out paste sounds like a good suggestion, I have no broken skin around the area so I guess this will be ok to use?
I do massage for a living and there's no way I can continue this work until it gets better.
Thanks again.
Really, I would get a GP appointment and not wait for the antibiotics to finish their work (don't stop taking them though). With the greatest of respect to nurse practitioners, there may be several tests that the GP thinks worth doing to check the diagnosis.
Drawing out paste is incredibly useful, but I mention this to ask the doctor about, as he is unlikely to think of it. But I'm afraid I emphatically cannot recommend any treatments from here.
Best wishes and mend well.
I would be inclined not to wear a bra at all, to elevate your arm on several pillows, to help the swelling go down, maybe remove your rings incase the swelling moves down your arm. Try to rotate your arm a bit as otherwise the circulation will be poor and you will find the swelling will not resolve. Take the pain killers regularly, so you do not suffer. A soothing flannel, wrung out may help. The temperature to be guided by you, cold may be soothing, warm may help relax. I would be inclined to return to gp if no improvement within 3 days, by then antibiotics should have got into the sytem and you should be feeling better, if not go back and see the doctor. Drink plenty of fluids as well to keep hydrated as you will probably have a temperature.
Your body will be telling you to rest, take note, put your feet up, watch t.v or read a book, rest. Get well soon.
Magnesium sulphate paste works wonders, it should bring it to ahead or at least keep the infection localised. Pure Aloe Gel otherwise for cooling relief and big doses vit C with usual immune boosters.
Make sure you tested for diabetes, especially if its a nasty one.
Hope it goes quickly! Elaine
I just wanted to say, you poor thing! I had a boil on my right armpit years ago, the pain is sickening and I still have a scar from it! Just look forward to the relief when the damn thing bursts!:eek: Look after yourself x
try drinking aloe vera juice mixed with warm water...3 times a day..for immune boosting...and also mix manuka honey
it worked for my partner