Persistent Boil on Foot Issue
Hello everyone, I'm a 37-year-old male from the UK. For over six weeks now, I have been dealing with a boil on my foot. The issues began with some mild itching, which eventually developed into a noticeable boil. Around three weeks ago, the boil ruptured, and I managed to clean and drain it carefully. I believed that would resolve the problem. It scabbed over, but the hardened area surrounding it remained unchanged. Just yesterday, my foot became swollen, and the boil burst again, releasing some pus. I experienced a slight fever of 37.9°C, but it subsided after about an hour, leaving me with no further symptoms apart from the swelling in my foot. This morning, I consulted with my general practitioner. The doctor prescribed Fucidin and assured me it would suffice for treatment. While I’m not a medical professional, I understand that topical treatments often don’t penetrate deeply into the skin and, given the apparent signs of cellulitis, I believe oral antibiotics might be necessary. I expressed my concerns to the doctor, highlighting that this issue has persisted for quite some time and that I have already tried using compresses and maintaining cleanliness, but to no avail. She dismissed my worries and suggested I apply compresses several times a day along with the ointment, implying that perhaps I hadn’t been using them effectively (which I found quite amusing). Should I consider visiting A&E or another facility, or would it be advisable to continue using the Fucidin for a week and monitor the situation? Thank you for your advice!
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 4:51:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a persistent boil, especially given that you’ve experienced swelling, repeated rupturing, and a slight fever. While your doctor has prescribed Fucidin (an antibiotic ointment), it’s important to ensure the infection is effectively being treated.
Explanation
Boils can result from bacterial infections, often involving Staphylococcus aureus. When a boil develops, it can also lead to surrounding skin infections like cellulitis, particularly if there's swelling and pus. Your slight fever may indicate some systemic involvement. Since you’ve had a recurrent issue with the boil and symptoms like swelling, close monitoring is essential.
Next Steps
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Continue the Current Treatment: Follow your doctor's advice and use the Fucidin ointment as prescribed. Apply it to the area after cleaning it gently.
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Warm Compresses: Use warm compresses several times a day for 15-20 minutes each session. This can help reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to keep the compress clean.
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Monitor Symptoms: Over the next few days, closely observe your symptoms. Specifically, watch for:
- Increased redness or heat in the area
- Worsening swelling or pain
- Persistent fever or chills
- Any new symptoms (e.g., red streaks spreading from the boil).
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids and getting sufficient rest to help your body fight the infection.
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Seek Immediate Attention If: If your condition worsens—such as developing a higher fever, increased pain, or if the swelling expands—consider visiting A&E or an urgent care facility for further evaluation. You may require oral antibiotics or drainage if it is determined that the infection is not responding adequately to topical treatment.
Continual monitoring and communication with the healthcare provider about your symptoms will be crucial. If you feel your concerns aren’t being addressed adequately, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Your health and comfort are important, and you deserve to be heard regarding your symptoms.
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