Concern Over Mother's Armpit Sore
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for help regarding my mother, who is 55 years old and has severe obesity, weighing between 150 and 170 kilograms. She spends most of her time in her room and rarely leaves her bed except for necessities like showering or grabbing food from the refrigerator. Her weight and lifestyle have led to numerous health complications, but she struggles with anxiety that prevents her from seeking help. Recently, she developed a significant sore under her armpit, and since she refuses to visit a healthcare professional, I'm seeking advice here. Any insights would be incredibly valuable, as she is experiencing considerable discomfort. I’m not sure how to manage the pain apart from keeping the area clean and dry. Moreover, she has started using a course of antibiotics from an old prescription that I didn’t take, hoping it might provide some relief. Thank you for any guidance you can offer!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 11:51:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your mother is experiencing significant discomfort with the sore under her armpit, especially given her overall health status. It's essential to address both her immediate concerns and her broader wellness.
Key Points:
- Sore Management: Keeping the area clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Potential Infection Concern: Using old antibiotics without appropriate guidance may not be effective and could lead to resistance or complications.
- Underlying Factors: Her weight and lifestyle may contribute to the sore, and these factors need consideration in managing her overall health.
Explanation:
Armpit sores can develop for various reasons, including friction, infections, or skin conditions like intertrigo, which is common in individuals with obesity due to skin-on-skin contact. Given your mother's anxiety and reluctance to seek help, it's understandable that managing this at home feels necessary.
Using leftover antibiotics is not recommended because:
- The specific source of the sore may not be bacterial.
- Unnecessarily using antibiotics can lead to complications and resistance.
- It's essential to ensure the correct type of medication is being used for the specific issue.
Next Steps:
-
Sore Care:
- Gently cleanse the area with mild soap and water daily.
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the skin further.
- Keep the area well-ventilated, perhaps using loose clothing.
-
Moisture Control:
- Consider using absorbent powders or barrier creams (like zinc oxide) to reduce friction and moisture if the area remains prone to wetness or irritation.
-
Monitor for Infections:
- Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s crucial to seek professional care.
-
Addressing Anxiety and Lifestyle:
- Encourage small, manageable changes in her daily routine that might help her feel more comfortable (e.g., gentle stretching or short walks if she can).
- Consider gently discussing how addressing her health can lead to better outcomes and might even reduce anxiety. Finding a supportive environment or joining a group may help her feel less isolated.
-
Support and Reassurance:
- It’s important to keep open lines of communication, letting her know you’re there for support. Sometimes having a loved one go with her to a healthcare appointment can ease anxiety.
If the sore doesn’t improve or worsens, it may eventually be necessary to revisit the idea of professional help. Keeping the focus on her comfort and mental health will be key in encouraging her to get the support she needs. Let me know if you need further assistance!
Related Questions
Managing Thoracolumbar Gibbus Deformity Due to Pott's Disease
Can the curvature associated with a thoracolumbar gibbus deformity, particularly in the lower back, be improved non-surgically through methods such as bracing or physical therapy? As someone who has Pott's disease, I am yet to experience vertebral fusion. I have completed a course of medication for tuberculosis and am currently undergoing physical therapy to help manage ongoing pain. For over three years, I have been aware of this condition; however, it was not until last year that the hump on my back became noticeably pronounced. I’m 20 years old.
Is Recovery Possible from Diverticulitis for a Healthy 92-Year-Old?
My grandmother, who is 92 years old, has recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis. Although she is advanced in years, she is generally healthy: her mind is still clear, she has been active until now, and she does not suffer from any significant chronic diseases. We are attempting to grasp the implications of this diagnosis for her situation. Understanding that age may pose challenges, we are left wondering if this necessarily spells a grim future for her. Can she bounce back from this condition? Furthermore, what specific inquiries should we be making to her healthcare providers regarding treatment strategies, potential complications, and achievable results? Any insights from medical professionals, particularly those knowledgeable about treating elderly patients, would be immensely valuable. Thank you for your help.
Is it Safe to Use Accutane with Seroxat and Seroquel Prior to Rhinoplasty?
I am presently on a regimen that includes Seroxat at a dosage of 25 mg (paroxetine) and Seroquel at 50 mg (quetiapine). With a rhinoplasty procedure approaching, my surgeon has recommended the use of Accutane (isotretinoin) beforehand to minimize oiliness and fat on my nose, given that I have notably thick skin in that area. However, I have reservations about potential drug interactions or side effects, particularly those that might affect my mood, as I am already receiving treatment for mental health issues. Has anyone experienced taking Accutane in conjunction with antidepressants or antipsychotic medications? Additionally, is it advisable to initiate Accutane shortly before undergoing surgery? (24 years old, weighing 72 kg, height 5'10")
Lab Feedback Inquiry
I recently received my lab results, and my RNP levels were reported at 195, while all other antibody tests returned normal. Should I be concerned about the 195 readout? I have a previous diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and although my ANA was negative this time, it had shown a positive speckled pattern a few years back. I’m a 28-year-old female with a background of SLE along with other autoimmune symptoms. My weight is currently 150lbs, and I have just resumed a regimen of 400mg of hydroxychloroquine.
Seeking Clarity Amid Confusion: A Health Dilemma
Greetings! I'm a 23-year-old female, weighing 65 kg and standing at 163 cm tall. At the age of 15, I was diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon, but I've been dealing with its symptoms since I was 12. Recently, I've faced some troubling health issues. I've been suffering from unexpected muscle pain in my right shoulder and hip, which appeared and disappeared quite suddenly. Additionally, I've noticed an increase in sensitivity to light, particularly affecting my scalp. My lactose intolerance seems to have intensified overnight. Moreover, I experience hives whenever I come into contact with hot water or engage in exercise. Since June, the lymph nodes in my armpits have been swelling intermittently. I have a small patch of raised hives on my arm that has grown but hasn’t improved despite using topical steroid treatments. I had a chest X-ray which came back clear, and both the breast and armpit ultrasounds showed no abnormalities; all lymph nodes were confirmed to be healthy and not indicative of lymphoma. Tests for ANA, RF, and IgE all returned negative results, and my iron levels, kidney function, and thyroid tests were within normal ranges. My complete blood count was also normal, yet my CRP and ESR levels were found to be elevated. Currently, I am being referred to a hematologist, but that appointment is still some time away. I have been feeling quite unwell continuously. Does anyone have any insights or suggestions?