Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Small inflammation and further question

February 21, 2020 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello Mrs. Gehring. For 5 days I have had an inflamed pimple on my thigh, which could also be an ingrown hair. Unfortunately, there has been no improvement since then, it is not getting worse but also not better. I have used Ilon ointment, but it has not helped. Today I went to see my general practitioner, as I had been away the past few days and wanted to wait and see first.

I was advised to wait a bit longer, as it is not large enough to warrant incision. Additionally, I was prescribed Betaisadona ointment and Cefurax antibiotic, as they are said to support healing and may work faster for me, especially with my immunosuppressant medication. If everything fails or it gets worse, I will then be referred to a surgeon.

Do you think this approach is appropriate? Could you also briefly address the fact that I had an allergic reaction to Amoxicillin and am now very cautious with antibiotics?

Furthermore, I am wondering why my body is not able to resolve this on its own. The doctor mentioned that this is typical for immunosuppressed individuals. Is fear of a severe outcome (sepsis, fasciitis) completely unfounded?

Also, a small additional question related to my previous concerns... my weight has been relatively stable for the past 6-8 weeks, what do you mean by psychological causes? I have a good appetite, so could mental stress or similar still consume more energy without affecting appetite, or what do you think?

Thank you and greetings.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear Sir or Madam,

I consider the administration of a systemic antibiotic for a small pimple to be completely excessive! Even with a weakened immune system. The administration of antibiotics reduces the immune system for a year or more by killing important intestinal bacteria and should therefore only be considered in cases of absolute necessity. I would therefore only treat with Betaisodona.

Of course, your body can handle it on its own, you are just impatient! Every healthy person needs 1 to 2 weeks for a pimple to heal, and your fears are absurd!

Yes, I meant that mental stress depletes energy.

Sincerely, Dr. Gehring