Possible Staph infection and no doctor will help

[sassy1525]

My sister has bad eczema on her hands. She has recently developed an infection on her left hand. She has gone to a regular doctor who told her that she couldnt do anything because she isnt a hand specialist and doesnt  want to risk her losing feeling in her hand. Yesterday she went to the ER only to wait 10 hours and was unable to see anyone due to the swine flu scare. We're to the point of just doing it ourselves because no one seems to help and it seems to be getting worse. Any advice anyone?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
As the boil/carbuncle or abscess has not responded to any treatment even oral antibiotics,so incision and drainage from a doctor may be needed.I would suggest that she consults her PCP and gets an incision and drainage done followed by a course of antibiotics.Till the pus is drained out,there will be little relief.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.Kind regards.

[sassy1525]

We also dont have insurance or the money to go see a dermatologist.

[sassy1525]

My sister has kept the area clean and uses antibacterial soap but still no luck in it getting better. We have tried applying a warm clean washcloth, topical antibiotics and oral antibiotics. The only thing we have left to do is cut it open and drain it. Any other suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the infection is due to bacterial infection like staph then your sister in law needs topical and oral antibiotics.

Pls ask her to keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.