How to get rid of this faster?

[Jerkface1]

I've had this abscess/boil for over 3 weeks now, it's not coming to a head and is just getting bigger and more painful. I've tried magnesium sulphate paste and a dressing for a few days, nothing happened, I soak in a hot bath every day but that's not bringing it to the surface either and I've tried a hot flannel. Any suggestions because it's really hurting, and this is my comfy pyjama bra but all my other ones the metal underwire digs right in to it

Forgot the pic, oops

Have you tried toothpaste?

That looks really sore. Because of the location, I’d get it checked out by the doctor (if you haven’t already)

Don't put toothpaste on it. I'd book an appointment and get it checked out - you might need antibiotics or it draining.

I would also see the gp about that one, it’s been 3 weeks.

Hot hot water with lots of salt...as hot as you can bear. Keep applying with a Q-Tip..it might help bring it to a head. If it is still v sore in next day or two...go to pharmacy or your GP.

Haven't been to the gp yet, I really hate going to the doctors and try not to if I can avoid it I will of it doesn't go away soon though

Sterilise a sharp needle and stick it in the middle! I get those all the time and it normally works. Normally not right away but by next morning it’s got a mahoosive head on it

I would definitely recommend getting that checked out.

Do not put toothpaste on it or try to pierce it with a needle.

Don’t stick a needle in it.

I think you might need antibiotics. Do see a gp.

Will ring drs in the morning, thanks

Please get that checked by a GP. They’ll likely do a phone consultation so it shouldn’t take too much of your day. Having seen the photo, I think that’s the best thing to do and not try anything else in case you infect it.

My GP has e- consults and I can upload pics. I think lots do now. I'd give that a go 😊

Done an online consultation and uploaded a pic, didn't know my doctors did this or I'd have done it ages ago! They're going to get back to me by tomorrow evening 

It's a lot easier than trying to describe things over the phone 😊

Thank you I wouldn't have known about this and would have put off going to drs for ages

You're welcome! Glad you found it useful 😊

It might need draining if it hasn't come to a head, or at least some antibiotics . Does it feel 'boggy' in the middle (like there is def walled off pus in there)?

Yes it is a bit softer in the middle than it is around the edges

Best thing to do is prob to keep applying moist heat a few times a day in case it comes to a head itself. If not, your GP will sort you. Just make sure that the red area around it isn't spreading and if it is, try and get a quicker appt

It's back
4 weeks ago dr gave me 7bday course of antibiotics, it went right down flat and didn't hurt anymore, then a few days ago it came back and it's big and angry again and really sore 🤦🏻‍♀️
They said if the antibiotics didn't work they would have to drain it, I hate going to the doctors so I'm putting it off but it's really sore 😤

Poor you. Just keep thinking that a 5 minute appointment to drain it will be hours of pain free time afterwards.

Picture update. I've done an online consultation so hopefully GP will get back to me tomorrow. I would really prefer not to have to go have it drained so is there anything I can do in the meantime to help it burst faster? Without having to stab it?

If you have any vicks vapour rub put a blob of that on it and cover with a dressing if you've got any, the menthol eases the pain and helps to open it up. I suffer with hs so I'm dealing with this sort of thing all the time and vicks is my go to method.

Thank you, I'll get some