Lump under skin on forearm swolledn and red with fever

[Diamondgirl35]

My 14 yr. old daughter had a nodule come up under her skin on forearm about a week ago. It has in the last 2 days become red, very swollen now, and very hot to touch. She also has a 100.3 degree fever. The Dr. is treating her with antibiotics. He circled the area and said if it gets past that, then she needs to be rushed to emergency room for surgery. I am confused. i don't know what it is. It hurts her really bad and she can't move arm. This was her pediatrician. Should we follow up with a dermatologist? Should we worry or jsut wait on antibiotics to kick in? Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is good that you have taken your daughter to the ER. Once the swelling subsides you can consult any ; dermatologist or general surgeon because if it needs lancing then either can do it. I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Diamondgirl35]

Hi! Thanks for your reply and help! Yes. I took my daughter to E.R. bcuz  swelling didn't get better and it was night. They said it was abcessed, as you said it could be. The only thing they ,nor her Doctor could answer is why
this nodule started out strictly under skin , deep, and there was never any cut or scratch, so it got infected on it's own from the lump under there. It can't come to a head bcuz it's underneath. Well, tehy put her on a strong sulfa antibiotic, and it has helped alot and things are so much better! The swelling is down, she has several days left on that RX.Hopefully, the nodule that stated it will heal as well. SHould I follow up with a surgeon  or dermatologist to look at the nodule after swelling goes down? Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the nodule is associated with pain and fever, so it looks like a bacterial infection which can cause such symptoms or an abscess. Apply warm compresses on the boil and keep the area clean and apply topical antibiotics like Mupirocin. Drainage is done by surgery only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Give some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination. Also continue the antibiotics that the doctor has prescribed.

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.