# Broomstick's New Zit From Hell **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 16, 2008, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780 "2008-09-16T01:48:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4

**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/61 "2008-09-19T17:20:32Z")

Would it be possible to take the bandages off and let your leg bake in the sun for a while every day? Sunshine is good for what ails you (and bad for anaerobic bacteria). ETA: I just remembered you saying avoid direct sunlight. Could you just get the wound out in the sun? ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/62 "2008-09-19T17:57:29Z")

So far as I know, staph is not anaerobic. I find the idea of simply putting the wound out on, say, the sidewalk or the hood of the car quite appealing, but there are certain logistical problems, like being physically attached, that complicate the matter immensely. ---

**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/63 "2008-09-19T18:10:51Z")

Heh - perhaps I could have phrased that better. 🙂 Yeah, with the antibiotics and all, I guess sunlight is out. That is too bad; sunlight really is good for treating sick things. (PS - MRSA is facultatively anaerobic. A moist, dark atmosphere is just fine for them to grow in - they just switch from aerobic respiration to fermentation. Which probably doesn’t make you feel any better, to know they are fermenting in your leg. ☹ ) ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/64 "2008-09-19T19:14:42Z")

Well, I’ve used “festering”, “fermenting”, “brewing”… lots of adjectives. The bandage isn’t airtight, and it’s changed often. I doubt very much it’s an oxygen-free environment there. It did burp up some more puss on the last bandage change. I’m hoping that’s a harbringer of massive pus movement out of my flesh and into the gauze. ---

**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/65 "2008-09-19T21:01:50Z")

I’m not ignoring you…I read your first story, and I’m still quivering over here in the corner. puppies…kitties…rainbows…hot chocolate…sunsets…the smell of Grey Flannel on Ivylad’s chest…happy place happy place happy place… ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2008, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/66 "2008-09-19T21:23:39Z")

I don’t think we’ll get a Krakatoa out of this one, folks - it’s more like Mauna Loa with constant low-level output rather than explosions. It’s still draining pus, blood, and fluids… and the swelling is going down… but the pus nugget remains. I’m beginning to think it’s been thoroughly walled off and congealed and will be escorted out of my body by the same mechanism that allows soldiers to extrude shrapnel years after the battle wounds are incurred. There’s some sort of fancy name for it that I can’t remember right now. At least it’s close to the surface so it shouldn’t take too long to expel the Nugget of Nasty. Meanwhile, I felt up to a trip to the garden. The recent floods destroyed half my cucumbers and beans, mostly through mold on the fruit rather than outright drowning, though the turnips seem to have just sucked up the water and kept growing. My leg didn’t cause me any pain despite the uneven terrain, seemed strong, and I didn’t have any trouble keeping a steady footing. If things continue as they have been I expect to go back to work Monday (I have to be safe climbing a ladder) though I assume I’ll be wearing bandages a little longer, if only to protect the newly healed area from reinjury. Because I had to keep off my feet so much this week my kitchen is a mess, the laundry strewn about the living room, and a dozen other things are left undone. My Other Half is counseling me to tell it all to go to hell and force myself to take it easy. He’s right, as he usually is. It’s just that I’m now feeling well enough to be pissed off about being sick. Oh, by the way - I won’t ask for medical advice, of course, but comments and observations from the medical types on the board are welcome. If I say anything alarming that requires a second doctor visit let me know. I can usually figure these things out myself, but sometimes we all need a nudge. ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/67 "2008-09-20T01:31:37Z")

**IT PUKED!** For the most recent bandage change the pus caldera had built up into a lava dome. Some of it came away with the gauze and _ **\>SPLORT-BLUBBB\<** _ Yuuuuuuuuck! In addition to pus and blood and serum, this green-gray rope of **ick** splerts onto my skin. I try to wipe it away, and it won’t wipe. I try again. The damn thing is _attached!_ So I grimaced, got a grip on the slippery bastard, and pulled. The green rope came free, along with more pus and blood in about that order. I’d say about half the magma chamber emptied out. I expect, with less pressure and all the fluids now flowing around what’s left, the rest will loosen up and come free in a day or so. Well, I spent a few minutes mopping up. I cleaned up in particular around the wound. Then I scrubbed my hands with antibacterial soap for about five minutes, including using a hand brush to get under my fingernails. I washed the area around the wound again. I applied ointment and rebandaged. Then I came here to share it with all of YOU! Meanwhile, there’s an episode of _Dr G, Medical Examiner_ on the TV about a young man who died from a MRSA infection. _Charming._ But I went and saw a doctor, the young man in question didn’t. I was expecting this to be the last bandage of the day, but given the fresh gout of draining fluid I may have to put a fresh one on before I go to bed. ---

**Author:** ![whiterabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/cab0a1/32.png) [@whiterabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whiterabbit)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/68 "2008-09-20T02:00:40Z")

Eeeeeeeeeeeew! Cool! ---

**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/69 "2008-09-20T02:07:02Z")

Wow ---

**Author:** ![LorieSmurf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a587f6/32.png) [@LorieSmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LorieSmurf)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/70 "2008-09-20T03:52:07Z")

:eek: ---

**Author:** ![beanpod](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a9adbd/32.png) [@beanpod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beanpod)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/71 "2008-09-20T03:58:41Z")

I just came in to announce that I read **Broomstick’s** last post while eating microwaved pizza rolls. _Fear_ the strength of my stomach, weak mortals. ---

**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/72 "2008-09-20T04:33:53Z")

> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > Goddammit, what Dopers live by you? I need to see this thing. This is \*\*Broomstick \*\*we’re talking about. Go to Google Maps. ---

**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/73 "2008-09-20T05:13:54Z")

> [@beanpod](#): > > I just came in to announce that I read **Broomstick’s** last post while eating microwaved pizza rolls. _Fear_ the strength of my stomach, weak mortals. Hey, it don’t bother me. I almost kind of want a gross painful thing on my leg just for the satisfaction when it finally pops. Although I would have HAD to help it along. That bit with the greenish gray rope? I’m so jealous. ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/74 "2008-09-20T05:20:45Z")

Frankly, my dear, you may have it. I’m sure we’ll have some more activity for at least a couple days. 2600 views? I have an audience! ---

**Author:** ![janis\_and\_c0](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janis_and_c0/32/21_2.png) [@janis\_and\_c0](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janis_and_c0)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/75 "2008-09-20T05:35:45Z")

> [@Broomstick](#): > > Frankly, my dear, you may have it. > > I’m sure we’ll have some more activity for at least a couple days. 2600 views? I have an audience! Audience, Hell. I think maybe you need your own website "Disgusting things on **Broomstick** ’s Body 😃 Seriously, Glad to hear you’re getting some relief. ---

**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/76 "2008-09-20T06:09:40Z")

Gotta admit, **Broomstick** , that I’m ignoring this thread and remembering you as I met you, hopeless [del]romantic[/del] gentleman that I am. ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/77 "2008-09-20T06:10:45Z")

Actually, there are fewer disgusting things in residence than last week. The antibiotic seems to have also cleaned up my backne and ass-zits, too. Now, if I could just get rid of the last of the eczema… Oh, yeah, the pharmacist, as he hands over the bottle of pills, says “if you get a rash it may be an allergy to the antibiotic…” _:::scritch, scritch, scritch:::_ “A rash?” _:::scritch, scritch, scritch:::_ "What if I already have - " _:::scritch, scritch, scritch:::_ “- a rash?” Which perhaps is relevant - although only one spot turned in to the Zit From Hell my entire skin was having problems. I seem to recall that was the case with the prior episode of Zit From Hell, too. Maybe I need the antibiotic when rashes first bloom, but no, the powers that be insist I wait until an actual infection. And, to be honest, most of my episodes of rashes and blemishes end without such exciting flesh volcanoes. ---

**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/78 "2008-09-20T09:32:08Z")

> [@dropzone](#): > > Gotta admit, **Broomstick** , that I’m ignoring this thread and remembering you as I met you, hopeless [del]romantic[/del] gentleman that I am. Hee hee hee - that’s sweet! ---

**Author:** ![teela\_brown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d9b06d/32.png) [@teela\_brown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teela_brown)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/79 "2008-09-20T12:21:58Z")

This thread has me checking my body all over every night before bed, like the character Nyuk Tsin from Michener’s _Hawaii_. I’m also trying to prevent myself from scratching at any little bump. ---

**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/80 "2008-09-20T13:30:55Z")

Damn girl, just when I think you have pegged the grossometer, you manage to top yourself. Most recently, I reflected that “pus nugget” is brilliantly eloquent, evocative, and nausea-inducing. I thought that was the pinnacle, until you described the gray-green ropy bit. And almost immediately upped the ante by sharing that it was attached. My queasiness and fascination are both inflamed further with each post. I also admit I’m a little worried, since I tend to be a picker. Any little bump on my skin invites removal by fingernail. My personal half-assed theory is that this is a pathological expression of primate grooming behavior. Knowing about your experience may help me resist, but I’m not confident of my self-control. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780.md?page=5)