When is a spot classed at 'infected'? Gross, TMI-ness.

[KateShmate]

Sorry if it's TMI but I am in quite a bit of pain! Got in the bath tonight and noticed that I had a huge spot on my upper arm (arm felt funny all day!) - didn't really have a head, just more of a huge lump. Of course I tried to squeeze/pop it but only blood is coming out and it is unbelievably painful. I've tried hot compress but still nothing - lump is about size of 10p piece but quite deep under the skin. The whole area is really painful and red and is just throbbing .. Does it sound like it's infected, or just a really deep spot? Thanks in advance for the Spot Advice!

Could it be a boil?

Ooh a sporn thread. Happy Christmas! :)

prob just a v deep/big spot, but keep an eye on it and treat with hot compresses, and pop to the chemists tomorrow and get some mag sulph paste and apply under a dressing - this will draw the pus out

You poor thing, that sounds really painful promising you have sounded the klaxon and I am sure you will inundated very soon with advice to relieve encourage the spot

I was going to sound the Klaxon (I'm quite a lurker on the sporn threads) but thought that you would all be devastated if it doesn't produce anything!!

Have heard you all talk about mag sulphate - I've never seen it in any shops, where can I get some?

3b How can I tell the difference between a boil and a big spot?

Just ask the pharmacist for mag sulph.

I'm not sure if there is an actual difference between spots, boils and abcesses tbh

As I understand it, a spot is a blocked follicle and a boil is a follicle infected with Staph.aureus. Google might have a more detailed explanation.

Hmm 3b I have just google imaged 'boil' for advice - I do think it is a boil rather than a spot after comparing mine.
Will it still pop?

I have never had a boil but I would probably put fucidin cream or similar on it rather than encouraging it to burst. Sorry to disappoint the eager lurkers.

Could I make my own paste with some effervescent salts? Think I have some of them in my cupboard. Only I superdrug'ed mag sulphate and effervescent salts came up and it says it has mag sulphate in it?

Are you sure 3b ? I was hoping for a puss volcano from this beast... maybe it is a spot after all and then I can keep squeezing and picking it

If it's a big one then you might have to do the hot compress thing, then wait for it to burst and then cover it with a sterile dressing.

I am gutted - it is still just as huge and painful, but still no head on it! I managed to squeeze a tiny bit of pus out, but I mean tiny ..
Didn't manage to get any mag sulphate today am afraid, one of my DD's has been poorly.