infection under cheek???

[mbmontreal]

is this an infection? a small bump under the skin at jawline developed overnight to swollen painful glands, warm, itchy, painful, swollen lump, no fever, some tiredness. next day developed small bumps at this site, around 10, glands are less painful but still swollen. no sign of bite, no center as in a boil, just generalized pink blotchy look, but whole left jaw is still swollen and somewhat painful. the skin is not swollen and red like a bite or boil might be. it's more like under the skin. no clue what could have brought it on. any idea what this is? should we see a doctor? it's not changing much at this point (3 days). thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be a boil, swollen lymph node or a sebaceous cyst. Apply warm compresses on the bump and keep the area clean. Drainage 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[mbmontreal]

oops! should add, 2nd day it did make a small slightly oozy center which crusted over to a 1/16 inch kind of center, but it has not changed in 2 days.