Can anyone identify this lump? (Medical, graphic photo!)

[31weeksgone]

Hi All,

I’m 33 weeks pregnant with twins so just wanting to stay on the safe side. This random lump has appeared on my thigh. (Apologies for inner thigh photo, promise I’m not a creep!)

It looked just like a skin tag this morning, then when I got home earlier around 5 it was deep purple, very painful and a red ring around it.

I called GP who was luckily still open and they prescribed antibiotics sharpish over the phone with a picture sent of it, but didn’t see it in person. I just got them, but it’s even more swollen now and the red swelling is more pronounced.

Has anyone got any idea what this is, and/or if I need to do more than just take the antibiotics?

Thank you!!

And now, there’s even more redness. Apologies for rubbish photo, I can’t see my thighs under my twin bump at this point.

Hmm. I would keep a very firm eye on that tbh, take the antibiotics and keep a keen eye on how far out the redness tracks. Most likely another HCP won't do anything until antibiotics are finished but if it gets worse or anything changes then do get a second opinion.

Did they not say what they thought it was?
Being non-dramatic and not a doctor, I'd assume it's just a boil and it'll likely burst. Not that I'm saying you're being dramatic!
I've had boils that look similar but when GPs have looked at it they've never prescribed anti-biotics.

I’ve never had a boil before, so I really could be being dramatic 😁do they just burst on their own and drain blood out of them?

No, efficient GP in that I rang and had a prescription waiting in 10 minutes, but vaguely just said take the antibiotics as it looks infected, if it starts to bleed heavily come back as it could be a vein in the area. Not overly helpful on if the redness gets worse what to do. Or I presume if I feel flu-ey or infection-y to call back I suppose.

I’ll watch and wait for now, thank you!

I’d want to put a hot compress on that. I’m not a doctor though! Hope it improves soon and congrats on the twins!

Could be a pyogenic granuloma.

Draw around it with a biro so you can see how much it's spread/reduced and get to your GP/walk in clinic tomorrow

I’d definitely get that checked out. Not one for drama but I’d be tempted to phone 111 given the infection is spreading 😬

It's not a tick, is it? Have you been in long grass ?

Definitely not a tick, the golden retriever of the household usually is the one with those but good to check it off.

I’ll draw around it with biro now, and check again in an hour or so before bed, I’ll be up several times to pee anyway through the night and keep an eye on it. Don’t want to be dramatic but if the redness hasn’t gone down tomorrow I might phone the GP back and see what they say, even if it’s just a Quick Look. I hate wasting people’s time I didn’t even think I’d get antibiotics!

It looks like a boil, which would make sense with the rapid onset and infection causing localised redness and swelling. They can be incrediby painful too.

A doctor friend of ours always told us to make the first dose a double one when taking antibiotics to get a 'good wallop' into your system.

Thank you, that does seem to fit the situation and all of the suggestions. I’ll make sure to take another of the antibiotics before bed, then that’s 2 in overnight.

Hi OP. Is it hot to touch? Painful? Is the dark central part/lump pronounced like a mole would be? Does the lump feel soft or hard? Is the surrounding skin soft?

I get these and they're usually full of blood. Be warned if they burst the blood sprays so you might want to keep it covered!

It’s hot to touch, raised quite a lot like a mole or size of a pea? Surrounding red skin is very soft still. Pea sized lump is soft too.

will put some trousers on as to not ruin white bedding tonight 😅

Have you shaved recently? Do you always sterilise your razor if you do? Is it the inside of the thigh?

Maybe Chub Rub blister turned into a boil?

If it IS a boil, I usually put a hot compress on it for a minute and they burst with a gentle squeeze (and are gross and go everywhere and blood and pus comes out). Sometimes they pop in the shower. Hesitant to suggest that in case it isn't a boil.
Boils, in my lovely experience, usually like to pop up in places with friction (thighs, bra area etc).

Definitely if you're worried get back in touch with the GP for reassurance. Especially if it changes a lot or looks worse overnight.

This is going to sound crazy, but my sister in law has been in hospital this last week with a major infection thanks to a mosquito bite.

'Apparently' as it's been so cold outside they have started coming in.

Second antibiotic taken, I’m going to try and get some sleep whilst I can and I’ll be back to update with any changes or dramas! If it’s still this painful tomorrow I will try a hot compress!

@31weeksgone How are you today?

Thank you, I’ve been so busy today I’ve barely noticed it, still a bit sore but bizarrely the redness is still there but the lump has definitely gone down, so perhaps the antibiotics are doing their job. Thanks for everyone’s advice, seems it’s nothing to worry over 😊

You need to draw a line around the outside of its spreading you need to see a doctor for stronger antibiotics that's very important what ever it is it's infected and traveling

Have taken 2 days worth of antibiotics, it’s still slightly sore but now looks like this. Anyone’s verdict on if I should go back or just see the antibiotics out then see how it is? I really can’t be bothered with the NHS on a weekend if I really don’t have to! Interestingly at the midwife today my blood pressure was high, but that’s about all.

I'm sorry id go get that checked - it looks like the red/pink on skin is still on the move?

I think if your thighs are touching when you walk about etc. then could explain the redness but you just don't know. I think you should get it checked again because the redness is still spreading regardless of the reason. Better to be safe.

Looking again I think the bit that's spiking off at the top off your picture would be why I'd get it checked 100% as that's probably not a rubbing reaction.