Question about pimple: may sound dumb

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Luvmydobies
Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
edited July 2014 in Lymphedema

Ok, this may sound dumb but I have a pimple on upper my right arm. LE is in my chest above my mastectomy scar but NOT in the arm according to my LE Therapist. So my question is, is it still okay to do my MLD exercises? Would that cause an infection? I've had mosquito bites on that arm and haven't had any problems. I'm sorry but I'm new to LE.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2014

    Luv, that is definitely not a "dumb" question, and in fact with lymphedema there are NO dumb questions, so please feel comfortable to ask whatever's on your mind. We learn from each other.

    By all means continue with your MLD. Moving lymph fluid out of the area is the best way to aid healing, EXCEPT during an infection (cellulitis). Keep the area clean, avoid picking or scratching at it, and watch for signs of infection. If it's irritating you're likely to accidentally scratch it in your sleep you might want to cover it with gauze. Keep us posted!

    Hugs,
    Binney

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Binney! I don't think it'll get infected, or I really hope it doesn't!! I'll just put a bandaid on it before I do the MLD and leave it on. I do tend to scratch mosquito bites and stuff. Ugh. Bad habit. I have had those and scratched them on the upper right arm and haven't had a problem. So hopefully my therapist is right in saying it's not a big problem to get scratches, bites, etc. on that arm. She said my risk of infection is still low since I only had two nodes out and only mild LE. I still will be extra cautious though. This thing has consumed me and I get so scared of getting an infection, because I hate antibiotics because I'm high risk for getting C Diff due to three previous bouts of it. UGH!!! 

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Oh and should I just see if the pimple will go away by itself? Will leaving it cause an infection? I know you're not doctors, but I've always popped pimples and drained them but that was before LE. So now I don't know what to do! Any advice on how to treat the pimple? Thanks in advance!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014


    I wouldn't pop it. I had one in my left armpit area recently and it is getting better on it's own. I would say if it doesn't start looking better in a few days to get the MD to look at it.

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2014

    I'm with Glennie on that. For goodness sake don't pop it--that just introduces bacteria and infection risk. Leave it be, and get medical help if need be.
    Binney

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Thanks! You're wonderful! One more question, sorry. Even if we do get a mosquito bite, scratch, etc. on the affected area, does that mean we will automatically get an infection? Or is it just a higher risk thing with LE? 

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited July 2014

    Absolutely NOT a guarantee (thank goodness!) But I carry antiseptic wipes and a couple of bandaids with me because, as you say, the risk is higher. Being aware of the risk is good because if you run into trouble you'll catch it at once and head it off, but no need to fret about it--honest!

    Stay well!
    Binney

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Thanks Binney! You're a doll. You stay well also.

    Stephanie 

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  • hugz4u
    hugz4u Member Posts: 2,781
    edited July 2014

    luv, Ok, you just have to start training yourself not to scratch, poke, push or touch. This is a learning process but really is best in the end. I just mentioned the other day that I don't scratch mosquito bites because then they don't itch for 3 weeks but only for 3 days. Slap a bandaid on and when you unknowingly go to scratch the bandaid reminds you not to.

    Do ask any questions and I mean any kind even a seemingly dumb question because trust me it's not a dumb question.:)

    I carry band aids and antibiotic creme in my purse. You can get polytogo antibacterial spray that attaches to your keychain even. 

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    I'm going to get some antiseptic wipes today to carry with me and I'll put some bandaids in my purse. I can't use Neosporin because it burns my skin. Thanks for the tips!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014

    I find that dabbing an ice cube on the mosquito bite right away seems to help take the itch out.

    I also got one of those Off clip-ons.  I've only worn it once but it seems to keep those skeeters away. I hate wearing bug spray

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  • Luvmydobies
    Luvmydobies Member Posts: 766
    edited July 2014

    Glennie, I hate bug spray too! I have sensitive skin and it irritated it. It used to not be sensitive, so I don't know if it's after effects of chemo or what, but it sucks!! I know there are worse things so I shouldn't complain, but it's annoying. Thanks for the tip about the ice!

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  • glennie19
    glennie19 Member Posts: 6,398
    edited July 2014


    Just dab the ice cube on it, until it feels cold and then stop. That should do it w/o being too much cold on your LE areas

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