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Real members of myHSteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone ever had a bump stick around for months without doing anything?

A myHSteam Member asked a question 💭
Auburn, NY

I had a boil/abscess appear about 3 months ago, at first it was painful but of course wasn’t inflamed or in pain anymore by the time I seen doctor. A few weeks later inflamed and in pain again, seen a doctor again when it was no longer inflamed. As soon as I stop applying mupirocen ointment nightly it gets irritated. I have been applying nightly for 2 months now and it’s just staying the same at this point. Not changing in size, color, or pain level. I’m grateful it’s not hurting but concerned… read more

August 6
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A myHSteam Member

I had one on my hip that was there for years. It started to finally get sore and red so I started to squeeze it and after messing with it for a bit, it's not there anymore. The only way I have found to ease the pain, ironically, is to squeeze as much as I can. However, a lot of people are not as used to pain as myself or as used to the pain. I have been dealing with these things for almost 30 years. It sucks, but you honestly get used to it after so long.

August 9
A myHSteam Member

It also has never come to a head or drained anything at all.

August 6
myHSteam

That kind of persistent bump is something many myHSteam members can relate to — one shared that they had a flare-up a month prior and were still struggling to get rid of it, while another mentioned having an open wound for more than three weeks. With HS, lesions can be stubborn and slow to heal, and some never fully resolve Show Full Answer

That kind of persistent bump is something many myHSteam members can relate to — one shared that they had a flare-up a month prior and were still struggling to get rid of it, while another mentioned having an open wound for more than three weeks. With HS, lesions can be stubborn and slow to heal, and some never fully resolve on their own.

The fact that it flares back up when you stop the mupirocin suggests there may still be an underlying infection that hasn't fully cleared. Given how long this has been going on, it's worth pushing for a more thorough evaluation. Some signs that warrant a more urgent visit include:

- A bump that keeps returning after treatment
- Ongoing pain or swelling even after draining
- A lesion that hasn't healed after weeks of treatment
- Fever or signs of spreading infection

Since yours has been lingering for 3 months and seems dependent on the ointment to stay calm, a dermatologist visit — ideally *during* a flare — could be really valuable. They may consider sterile drainage, oral antibiotics, or other treatment options to finally get it under control.

August 6

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