symptoms, what do they mean?

[maalb]

I have had a lump under the skin on my shoulder for a few years, about the size of a quarter. I have several bumps on the back of my neck, some small and one big one. They shrink and grow larger at times. I was diagnosed with an infection 5 years ago and took medicine as well as had a cyst removed. I am wondering if its just the infection showing it self again and then leaving multiple times over the last few years. Having a cough and stuffy nose is a common thing especially when the bumps on the back of the shoulder are larger. I within the last few days have noticed dozens of little red dots appear on my shoulders, upper arms and back, chest area in the middle. I also in the past have had bumps show up and then open and blue or puss. They seem like they are hollow, like an open hole until they scab over and then disappear. Is this just an infection or is there a underlying cause. Thank you for your time.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This lump under the shoulder can be due to a sebaceous cyst. The small red dots can be folliculitis skin and the bumps that open and pus can be due to boils. 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 apply topical antibiotics like Neosporin or Bactroban.

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.

[Pum]

Sounds like a few things going on here. You should see a doctor.