I've got a zit on my eyelid and it hurts BAD

[Mojambo]

And not just my eyelid. The whole right side of my face just plain aches.

Is that normal?

[Richard D]

1. Not too good

I'd get it checked by an MD ASAP. Not a good place for an infection.

[Mojambo]

3. For real?

I didn't think it was that big of a deal, but I have had a terrible day physically...

Headache, body ache, respiratory discomfort, stomach discomfort, sweats... I just figured I was coming down with something.

The zit/infection couldn't be causing all that stuff. Could it?

I just feel gnarly. (and bad gnarly, not good)

[Richard D]

7. Well, it's better to be safe than sorry.

The hot compresses are a good idea. The areas of the eyes, nose and upper lip are considered a particularly dangerous area for infections because they can spread into the cranial area from there. Given the gnarly stuff you're going through, it's better to err on the side of safety here. I don't like antibiotics, but for a facial infection that might be going systemic they can be important. And then again it could clear up by itself. If you start running a fever or there are obvious signs that it's spreading like redness or swelling, I wouldn't wait to get to a doc.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

2. Sounds like an infection...

See the doctor in the morning.

A friend of mine had something similar last year. It started with a pimply rash, and ended up with her entire face hurting.

Hope you're well soon!

~healing cybervibes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Mojambo]

4. Thanks, I'm hoping to actually sleep tonight

I certainly didn't sleep well last night.

[juajen]

5. Start hot compresses immediately

You can use a microwave to heat water. Apply continuously for about 2 hours. This is serious. Anytime your head becomes infected, it could get dangerous. You can open at any time there is a white head visible. Good luck.

[Mojambo]

6. How would you recommend opening it?

by squeezing or what. It looks like it might be ready to open but it hurts so damn bad I'm afraid I'll pass out when I do it.

[Richard D]

8. If it hurts that much

Don't try to open it on your own. It would be easy to spread the infection.

[Mojambo]

9. Well, I gave it the old college try and did manage to open it up

There was some pus and not a small amount of blood, but it does feel a bit better. The hot compress was a great suggestion.

It's still pretty puffy but hopefully releasing the pressure will ease the pain.

Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I just don't know what I'd do with out DU.

[Richard D]

10. OK

Might be a good idea to carefully put some hydrogen peroxide on it now. Hot compresses are still a good idea.

[Mojambo]

11. Will do

By the way are you a doctor? Because I feel like I should warn you that I don't have health insurance. ;-)