Boil issue

[Chuck35633]

I have a boil in the back of neck that I negligently tried to pop four days ago.  It got irritated and I've been applying acne medication to it, and instead of that, I've now been applying neosporin, and left a band-aid over it last night.  The irritation has gone down a lot after doing that, and it feels hard but is getting flatter, no pain at all(never was actually), but is still red as you can see, as it is healing.  Should I have a professional lance it, or just keep applying neosporin, a hot towel, and a bandaid overnight to get it to go away?  I'd like to handle it myself if I can, but want to see a professional if it's recommended.  I've attached a current photo of it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Apply warm compresses on the boil and keep the area clean. Drainage of the boil is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription. If there are recurrent boils, then please get your blood sugar levels estimated.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Angebelle]

If the irritation has gone down, no pain, and is a little red, you can keep treating it on your own with hot compresses and a topical antibiotic (like Bactine spray followed by neosporin) to help kill any lingering bacteria.  The bandaid is a great idea to keep any bacteria that might be hiding in the fabric of your shirt collars and pillow case from getting into the opening.  Only drain the boil if the white blood cells have come visibly to the surface.  

You should go to the doctor if you notice abnormal swelling beyond the size of the prior boil and/or fever.   Hope you find relief soon.

[Chuck35633]

So it seems through research, that what I have is a Sebaceous Cyst, does that look correct?  And from my picking I have caused abscess