Hello, how do you decided? I have a really bad abcess on my upper left Thigh, near Hip. I'm usually quick to go to ER, but don't know if i should just wait to go to Doctor, tomorrow?
I used to do that, but the HS has spread so much you can't see where one boil stops and another begins. I don't know where to lance it anymore. I have to wait until it turns black and blue. The ichthammol does work, but it's messy and does smell. Putting gauze over it helps. 😣
I typically don't go to the ER unless it's a life threatening situation. Perhaps an urgent care clinic if you can't get an appointment with the doctor.
I am 47 and have HS for 18+ years. None of my flare ups happen at a convenient time to go to the doctors. One thing that works for me is to slightly lance it near the "top" and then apply Neosporin (lotion with pain killer) several times the first day and than switch to Clindamycin topical. A friend of mine lives by the Ichthammol Ointment smells bad but it works.
Okay, THX!! Yes, I can manage okay, right now.
If you have an appointment, and can function reasonably until then, I'd wait until tomorrow.