Pretty urgent, and I'll give 10 points to the most helpful answer! Question about skin abscesses/staph!?

Long story short: I was on an extremely high dose of 3 different steroids about 20 days ago. Since then I've had hormonal problems to say the least, one of which is mild acne. I had a bump on the side of my nose, which I thought was a pimple, so I squeezed it. A small amount of pus did come out, but the next morning (and each sucessive morning thereafter) it has been worse, more swollen, and extremely sore. It feels hard (a lump the size of a pea), and then "squishy"/fluidy for about a 1 inch diameter around it. It's red and extremely sore. Also, that side of my nose is stuffy and I have an awful headache, as well as a low fever and a sore throat. This morning, I also started to get white discharge from the eye on that side! That being said, I get CHRONIC sinus infections and I don't know if all these symptoms are just coinciding with a weird pimply-thing. Does it sound like staph? I'm going to the doctors later today but it's really painful and I'd appreciate any help! THANKS!

Thanks so much! I'll have to try that -- I used to get them 3-5 / per year too, but now I'm up to about 1 a month and I'm resistant OR allergic to all antibiotics. That's what has me so worried about this abscess thing -- what if they can't treat it?!

P.S. More replies are welcome too; I know sometimes when I go back and edit people stop replying, but I'd reallllllllly appreciate as many opinions as possible! THANKS!

More than likely they are not related, put warm wet compress on your nose for about 10-15 min, that will relieve the pain and it will help it drain, if you have some triple antibiotic ointment use that after the compress. It may be infected from your hands not your system, Since you are going to the Dr. today that's what I'd do till you get there.

Staph bacteria is what causes acne so there is no question that the bacteria is involved. You do sound like you have another sinus flarup though. Consider getting on a good mulitvitamin that is well absorbed by your body and a good antioxidant supplement to help prevent future sinus problems. I was getting them chronically about 3-5 times a year and since doing the vitamin and antixidant supplement it has been about 8 years with NO problems.

There is no question that this bacterial infection is spreading fast. Due to the spread to the sinus and the lacrimal canal and the headache, this is preocupying, in view of the nearness of the brain. You should see your doc ASAP. He will probably put you on terramycin or on one of the fancy cefalexins.
But do not lose any more days.

to me, mother of 3 and have had staph on my son 3 times, it doesnt sound like staph. he had it on his nose, shoulder and buttox. it looks like a scab, sort of like a fever blister, and they do it sometimes. his was also groups of blisters, not single ones. hopefully the doctor will figure it out. my son has had alot of skin problems due to allergies, and his pediatrician never really can figure out what his flareups are, just tells me to stick with the same soaps, lotions, etc. have to cheer [mild detergent, anything else, he gets hives] anyway, good luck with your condition, dont scratch, scarring!!

To help with your doctors prescription consider yourself to be contagious and wash your hands frequently we tend to touch our noses a lot through the day. Be aware of a bad diet that may contribute to pimples and skin problems. Such as excess fat or sugars. Things that may have never bothered you in the past can suddenly start to bother you as your body moves into different age levels and things do not work as well anymore. Try an alcohol facial cleaning agent to keep sore clean.