I need advice please

[mrmenezes]

My daughter is 24 years old and she has a boil on her right breast. Doctor has given Augmentin tablets and she took Augmentin tablets for 3 days. But the boil has not gone yet. The boil has slightly reduced. Its hot weather. We do not know what to do. please advise. Many thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For a boil, keep the area clean and apply some warm compresses and topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as triple antibiotic cream are very effective. If the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and incision and drainage may be needed.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Londres70]

Please post in the Dermatology and Family Forums too.

[Londres70]

Try drawing salve on it, Ichthammol ointment.  It is black, thick and sulfur-based, so the smell is not so great, but it might work.  It worked on a boil I had.  It has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammtory properties.  It has been around for a very long time.  Ask for it at your pharmacy; it is over the counter.  She can take the antibiotic with this too.  

[japdip]

I believe it would take more than only 3 days of antibiotic treatment to resolve this problem. If there was no more than the 3 days of therapy then I would ck. with the Dr. again. The boil may need to be lanced and drained and additional antibiotic therapy prescribed. Sometimes warm compresses are advised to bring a boil to a head and permit it to rupture and drain but you should ck. with her Dr. before attempting any additional treatment.   Regards .....