# 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:** 5
**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, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/81 "2008-09-20T13:44:20Z")
> [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](#): > > Damn girl, just when I think you have pegged the grossometer, you manage to top yourself. Yeah, pity ya’ll aren’t here with me, right? > [@](#): > > 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. You aren’t the only one with that theory, it’s been proposed as a serious idea. I do fear, however, I am starting to have a bad reaction to the antibiotic. I became EXTREMELY congested last night, and even had an attack of the wheezies and had to use my inhaler. That’s unusual, but not unprecedented. I started to clear up around 5:30 am, at which point I had my breakfast and took my antibiotic. 20 minutes later I needed another hit on the inhaler. That is _very_ unusual, to need two hits in one day, and I’m back to being completely congested. 50 mg of diphenhydramine later and I’m a little better (although a bit spacy) and I’m _itchy_. I also got almost no sleep last night. I can’t think of anything else it could be. I will have to try to reach the doctor. \* Of course \*this happens on a weekend! Given progress so far, I might be able to stop taking antibiotics at this point (yes, I know you’re not supposed to do that, but you’re not supposed to take drugs you’re allergic to, either!) I hope it’s that simple, and if I do that the infection will clear and I won’t have a recurrence. If I do, well, we’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/82 "2008-09-20T15:25:40Z")
> [@](#): > > Then I came here to share it with all of YOU! Awwww, how considerate of you! Seriously, I’m glad it puked. I think that it’ll get better much faster now, since you have considerably less Nasty Stuff in the wound. (IANAD, and all that) I’m sure you feel better, too. Have you got some Benadryl or something to relieve the congestion? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/83 "2008-09-20T15:56:26Z")
“Flesh volcanoes” is also particularly evocative. **Broomstick** , you have a way with words that makes what is happening to you not only crystal-clear in your reader’s mind’s eye, but also gross and hilarious at the same time. Bravo and well done! I hope the ooginess clears up fast, and that they’re able to find a substitute antibiotic for you if you really are allergic to the one you’re on. Because (IANAD, just a mom) something tells me you shouldn’t be off strong antibiotics until this thing is completely cleared up so there’s no chance of it deciding to come back stronger the second time. ---
**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, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/84 "2008-09-20T16:24:06Z")
> [@Lynn\_Bodoni](#): > > Have you got some Benadryl or something to relieve the congestion? Oh, hell yes - I used my inhaler and 50 mg diphenhydramine. My breathing is back to normal, but I was still completely and totally congested until around 11 am this morning (the reaction started around 6:30) > [@](#): > > I hope the ooginess clears up fast, and that they’re able to find a substitute antibiotic for you if you really are allergic to the one you’re on. I am told the alternative is administered by IV. > [@](#): > > Because (IANAD, just a mom) something tells me you shouldn’t be off strong antibiotics until this thing is completely cleared up so there’s no chance of it deciding to come back stronger the second time. Yes, that’s a problem There is also the problem that I have no health insurance and little money. Aside from the fact it will completely and totally bankrupt us in short order, as I am not actively dying, no hospital is compelled to take me in for IV antibiotic treatment. It would be perfectly legal for them to turn me away since I am clearly recovering. As I said, I am a second class citizen in this country when it comes to healthcare. Of course, if there’s a resurgence in the infection they’ll take me in, but that’s an if I’d prefer not to explore. ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/85 "2008-09-20T17:29:01Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > **IT PUKED!** > > _ **\>SPLORT-BLUBBB\<** _ (happy sigh) (dabs eyes with handkerchief) I love a happy ending. ---
**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, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/86 "2008-09-20T17:34:26Z")
You’ll be happy to know that the rest of the Puss Nugget lept from the festering nest this morning. I now have a Purple Pit which, no doubt, looks much deeper than it actually is. I had a brief fantasy that the chunky stuff wasn’t puss but subcutaneous fat, but really, I don’t think it’s quite _that_ deep… is it? Still draining, of course, but the swelling is almost gone, the flesh is losing the fire-red tones, and I expect it will continue to heal uneventfully. ---
**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 20, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/87 "2008-09-20T17:47:33Z")
Is there a medical hotline you could call or something? Medication affecting your breathing is very serious. ---
**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, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/88 "2008-09-20T18:19:32Z")
What are they going to do? I’ll tell you want they’ll say “Call your doctor” or “go to the emergency room”. I can figure that out myself. There’s a reason I have allergy meds on hand in my home at all times. ---
**Author:** ![cardsfan1975](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f9b8f/32.png) [@cardsfan1975](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cardsfan1975)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/89 "2008-09-20T18:41:16Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > **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. This description is nowhere near being complete without telling us how it smelled. cf’75 ---
**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, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/90 "2008-09-20T18:45:49Z")
> [@cardsfan1975](#): > > This description is nowhere near being complete without telling us how it smelled. Take a raw pork chop, set out on your kitchen counter, drizzle mayonnaise and a dab of mustard on it, and leave it there for a week. It’s pus - it smells like rotting meat and old blood. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/91 "2008-09-20T21:34:05Z")
Just don’t do what I did once. I had a boil (or maybe it was whatever it is you have) on my abdomen and thought I’d try to irrigate and flush the pustulance out with hydrogen peroxide. I didn’t just pour it in, no. I had to take a syringe and stick it way in and push. I thought I’d pass out from the pain. It literally took the breath from me. StG ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/92 "2008-09-20T21:38:08Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > You’ll be happy to know that the rest of the Puss Nugget lept from the festering nest this morning. I now have a Purple Pit which, no doubt, looks much deeper than it actually is. I had a brief fantasy that the chunky stuff wasn’t puss but subcutaneous fat, but really, I don’t think it’s quite _that_ deep… is it? > > Still draining, of course, but the swelling is almost gone, the flesh is losing the fire-red tones, and I expect it will continue to heal uneventfully. I am happy to hear this. I’ve found that once the core is gone, the wound usually heals up quickly and quietly. Usually. I bet you feel a lot better now, too. ---
**Author:** ![Kismet68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/47e85d/32.png) [@Kismet68](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kismet68)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/93 "2008-09-20T22:10:20Z")
While I’m glad to know \*\*Broomstick \*\*is on the mend I must admit to feeling a little let down now. I mean, why couldn’t that thing have lasted LONGER? What disgusting thing am I going to read about now that’ll bring such delicious anticipation with amazing and colorful descriptions? I want more zit stories! ---
**Author:** ![Euryphaessa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Euryphaessa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euryphaessa)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2008, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/94 "2008-09-20T22:42:16Z")
The thread is good if I’m laughing and retching at the same time. Seriously, I hope it clears up without further incident, **Broomstick** , even though I’ll miss the entertainment.😛 ---
**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 21, 2008, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/95 "2008-09-21T00:03:51Z")
> [@Kismet68](#): > > While I’m glad to know \*\*Broomstick \*\*is on the mend I must admit to feeling a little let down now. I mean, why couldn’t that thing have lasted LONGER? It’s lasted quite long enough, thank you. The Purple Pit of Purulence is half the size it was yesterday. If anything, it’s draining more freely than before, probably because there isn’t all that half-solid gunk in the way. Had to go out for a new box of gauze squares. Yep, we’re in the wind-up phase. > [@](#): > > What disgusting thing am I going to read about now that’ll bring such delicious anticipation with amazing and colorful descriptions? Ask the docs and nurses on this board to tell a few stories. \*\*Qadgop the Mercotan \*\*is particularly noteworthy, giving us such classic as the [Bagel-Dog Penis](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=273825) ---
**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 21, 2008, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/96 "2008-09-21T15:43:16Z")
Well, I’m _not_ allergic to the antibiotic (yay!), so something else must have set me off. \>sigh\< Not much to update - the exudate from the wound still has pus, but it’s much more liquid/dilute than it was before and is not accumulating in the wound. ---
**Author:** ![st1d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@st1d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/st1d)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2008, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/97 "2008-09-21T16:50:09Z")
Gotta hand it to ya broom, no way I’d go that long without a sharp, sterile knife and bottle of whiskey. Okay, so I wouldn’t exactly need the bottle, as I have a pretty high pain threshold, but it’s a good excuse. 🙂 Considering the seriousness of this zit-fection, I’d say no matter how bad it got, I’m sure you’re glad it wasn’t in a TMI area. Cecil’s got to mention some of these in his next book…lol. ---
**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 21, 2008, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/98 "2008-09-21T19:11:03Z")
Oh, please - this was not nearly as bad as my first episode, which did require surgery and took three months to heal. This will probably be 2 weeks total time from start to finish. The moral of the story, boys and girls, is that if you see something like this fulminating on your hide _go to a doctor EARLY_ and get it taken care of. ---
**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 27, 2008, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/99 "2008-09-27T18:52:26Z")
This may or may not be my last update (I’m kind of hoping it is). I’m done with the Bactrim. I’m back at work - although I do heavily bandage the area to protect it. The wound is scabbed over and healing. The area around it is still irritated and the tape for the bandages did become irritated as well, but it’s definitely healing, so… move along folks, move along, nothing to see here… ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780/100 "2008-09-27T19:33:53Z")
I had a similar staph zit thingy on the back of my neck, and went to see the doc after it turned into three staph zit thingies. Doctor said it was a staph infection in a hair follicle which turned into three because I kept itching around it. Amoxicillin and a prescription antibacterial ointment (Murciprocin, I think?) took care of it. Good luck! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broomsticks-new-zit-from-hell/463780.md?page=6)