Ouchy. I have a boil in my armpit

[Jasminesmommy]

The worst place for one too. This is the 2nd time i had one and the 1st time was new years day same place just higher. Should i go to the ER to slice it or what else can I do it to relieve the pressure on my own? There is no white to it just a huge red hill. It feels like i am burning it with fire. I so far have been using a warm rag and advil no help. My husband had a staph infection like 2 months ago so I think thats who I got it from. What should I do.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Only thing I can think of is hot compresses. Anyone else??

 

[transparant]

Hhmmm...I'm not sure - I know this is an entirely different scenerio - but when lactating mom's call me with engorgement - hot compresses actually increase blood flow to the area making it more tender and swollen - just the oppisite might work a bit better. It can't hurt to try both to see what brings quicker relief to you hot or cold compresses. Hope it goes away soon! Ibuprofin should help as well.

 

[pamlet]

If you can make it with hot compresses until Monday do it - but please don't let it go too long.

I had one there last year and it really was a mess to have lanced. My doctor had me go to a surgeon to have it done, as she felt that there is too much going on there with the lymph nodes and all, she really didn't want to do it in the office.

I let mine go WAY too long - weeks really, hoping it would go away.

I'm thinking about you - believe me I KNOW how horrible you're feeling!

Pam

 

[pamlet]

Transparent,

With a boil they suggest the hot compresses to get the blood flow going. It's a little uncomfortable but can bring a boil down.

 

[KelNottAt]

I usually put neosporin or bacitracin on painful pimples. I do it before bed and by morning the infection is almost all gone, the heat and swelling greatly reduced and it doesn't hurt anymore. I never had a real boil before (at least I don't know if I did) so I'm not sure it this treatment would work for one. But it's so simple maybe you could give it a shot.
Good luck
Kelley

 

[transparant]

Transparent,

With a boil they suggest the hot compresses to get the blood flow going. It's a little uncomfortable but can bring a boil down.

Gottcha. Hopefully I never get a boil - but if I do I'll remember that

 

[dmslush]

I know you will think I am crazy, but I used to get boils all the time and this was a tried and true remedy to get it to drain.. Peel, wash, and grate a potato. Fix some of the grated potato in some gauze to make a little poultice. Put this in your underarm and hold it there... you will need to change the poultice as the potato in it blackens. If you can keep it on the boil most of the night, it should come up to a head and drain by in the morning.

 

[ca859093]

Well, since your DH had a staph infection, I would be at the doctor making sure I didn't have one just in case. Better safe then sorry

 

[phorsenuf]

I know you will think I am crazy, but I used to get boils all the time and this was a tried and true remedy to get it to drain.. Peel, wash, and grate a potato. Fix some of the grated potato in some gauze to make a little poultice. Put this in your underarm and hold it there... you will need to change the poultice as the potato in it blackens .

This is a great remedy for hemmoroids too!

 

[yeartolate]

The worst place for one too.

Technically speaking it is not THE worst place for one.

 

[snowball22]

Try Epsol Ointment. It is made with Epsom salts which is good for draining things like boils. Good luck.

 

[Kim in TN]

I had a boil that landed me in the emergency room, (I had red streaks running down my arm) the nurse told me to use Epsom salt with a damp wash rag and use a heating pad. That always did the trick for me. That cleared up the 3 I had when the DR couldn't get them lanced and had me scheduled for surgery on the next business day (holiday weekend). But the Epsom salt combination cleared them up. She also suggested using antibacterial soap, and to this day I've not had another one.

Good luck

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

http://www.medicinenet.com/boils/page4.htm


Maybe this will help. I had boils alot as a kid and I vaguely remember som black ointment my mom would apply. They really hurt.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

Sounds painful! No advice. Hope you feel better soon!