zit/boil or staph

The top of my nose got really red and sore almost like a boil, but no white head.  It was really sore then one day it just oozed puss out, I cleaned it up and put my acne cream on it.  It is still read and seems to have little heads, but it is not as sore.  Will it go away or should I see my doctor?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be a boil or a cyst. Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.Treatment includes antibiotics and pls do not touch or pick them up.

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.

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.