Does this need antibiotics?

[Merryoldgoat]

I’m a CPAP user and on Christmas Eve noticed a sore patch on my back near the mast position.

I think it’s getting worse and that I need to see the doctor but would appreciate opinions from anyone who has had similar.

No fever but it IS sore and I can feel it all the time. It’s a week now and getting worse which makes me think it’s infected.

Pic 1 Christmas day
Pic 2 28th
Pic 3 today

Obviously I’d contact them tomorrow - I’m not heading to A&E or anything 🤣

Oh that really does look sore and progressively getting worse, definitely think you would be best to get it checked out.

@Crooklodge it really is.

I feel so pathetic but it’s really uncomfortable.

Have you been putting antiseptic cream on it eg savlon?
Can you protect it each night to help it heal - clean handkerchief beneath the strap or similar?
I don't think it is infected, but does look as though it needs some help to heal.

Are there liners that you can get for that part? I know that you can for the facial bits. It's worth seeing your GP because they might have a solution.

Don't! It's completely understandable.

That doesn't look obviously infected but if it is caused by pressure then it will just worsen continually until the pressure is relived.

@Seeline yes but not religiously - I’m nipping out soon so I’ll pop into the chemist and see what they suggest.

@Ponoka7 I’m not sure - I’ve been using CPAP for a good 2 years and this is the first time I’ve had an issue.

@ChocHotolate

Ok thank you - I could try not sleeping with the CPAP a few nights and see if it improves

I wouldn't say antibiotics. It's a pressure sore. A barrier dressing for when you wear your mask. Duoderm or something similar you can ask the pharmacy. And cavilon or some kind of barrier cream to keep it moisturised. Breaks to relieve the pressure, can you also try and adjust the mask position slightly?

No it just needs protecting with a dressing. It’s inflamed, not infected. It does look sore so paracetamol might help.

Like @RedVanMan I suggest Duoderm - it’s a soft hydrocolloid dressing that is good for things like that.

(Disclaimer - nurse practitioner)

I have a CPAP machine too and had awful marks around my nose and they said it was tighter than it needed to be as it should never cut the skin. Are you wearing it too tightly?

Thank you all - I used a little antiseptic and a panty liner (!) as a barrier and washed the strap thoroughly and loosened the fitting a little last night and I think it’s improved a lot! Less sore although uncomfortable but deffo not as angry

And I will get some duoderm!

I've been using a CPAP for years and I've never had a problem like this. I think your strap is probably too tight

Siltape works well too, you stick it to the device not your skin. Definitely a pressure area, agree with the above.

It doesn't look infected but it does look horribly sore and it will get worse if it's not treated, so it needs looking at.

Your mask is too tight as I think your straps might need changing as mine cut in a bit when they wear out too. Swap the straps and pop some sudocrem on the sore patch. I'd also try and protect it with a barrier between the straps and your head like a headband or thin hat.