Tiny black hole on leg.

[CieraC]

I noticed a small (about 1 cm wide) hole in the morning (about 7AM) on my lower leg that was red with a tiny black stone-like thing in the center of the hole. I tried to pull out the stone but it was painful and wouldn't budge. Then, I checked on it again in the evening (about 6PM) and the hole and around it was black with the stone appearing to be a little deeper. I put hydrogen peroxide and neosporin with a band aid on it, but there is still a small amount of pain. What IS this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like a boil or an infected hair follicle and the black dot looks like the hair follicle. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection.
Keep the area clean and apply some 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 mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics and incision and drainage may be needed.

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.

[Caryopteris]

Try soaking it in warm salt water.  This may take several sessions, at least 30 minutes each, one several evenings in a row.