Is it a boil?

[DaisyLovesDaisies]

I recently went to a park with my friend and when I got home,noticed small bumps on my thigh. I assumed they would go away soon enough and didn't bother about them too much. In the next 2 days, the bumps had grown massively to the size of ping pong balls and hurt a lot. In the middle of my ping pong bumps, was a scab and it would come often come off and release pus and blood. I googled this and the signs that matched the most was a boil. However, boils are supposed to be red and soft. My bumps are purplish (maybe because of my dark brown skin tone) and the bumps are not at all soft. They are harder than the rest of my skin. Is it a boil and should I treat it like one?

[DaisyLovesDaisies]

Thanks a bunch. I did what you said and got antibiotics and used mild soaps and used warm compresses and the boils went away. However, littler ones formed around the same area. I'll try what you said again and keep you updated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to boils or abscess formation. Keep the area clean and apply warm compresses and 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.