I had a carbuncle on my right side lower back three weeks ago - it began as boil - soon the surrounding area became hard and firm. As the boil grew in size, several heads appeared on it and after some painful days (and nights) the heads burst and drained pus, accompanied by a slight fever. I visited my doctor who immediately gave me tetanus injection and put me on antibiotics for 10 days. All this while the sores sort of ‘weeped’ pus for about seven days. Since then (about 3 days) there is no pain (and no pus) and only a slight scar is visible. My problem (and I don't know if it is a problem) is the area around the drained carbuncle is still red and firm (though to a much lesser extent as compared to the begining). I happen to go off antibiotics today and I want to know if this situation (the firmness) is worrying or something? Is there some underlying infection and I need to do something more about it? Or is this normal and the firmness around the boil will subside gradually? I will be getting sugar and cholestrol tests done next week on the recommendation of my Doctor.
Any enlightment will be highly appreciated.

-Josh

I can tell you that you need to beware of elevated temperature, redness, warmth, pain, or drainage.
If this occurs contact your physician.

Sometimes small amount of scarring is residual when something is healing, just as a red shiny area when you have a scraped knee, and that can remain, or fade substantially.

I trust when you go in for bloodwork you will have the doc look at it again. It would be wise to do so.

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Originally Posted by ResearchLover

I can tell you that you need to beware of elevated temperature, redness, warmth, pain, or drainage.
If this occurs contact your physician.

Sometimes small amount of scarring is residual when something is healing, just as a red shiny area when you have a scraped knee, and that can remain, or fade substantially.

I trust when you go in for bloodwork you will have the doc look at it again. It would be wise to do so.

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As I hv mentioned earlier - there is no pain or pus now - absolutely no warmth or fever - only when I feel the area around the healed boil the skin and the muscles underneath feel a bit firm. The area is darker not shiny - you I will dfntly hv the doc look at it again. (He is out of town right now)