[35M] With arm abscess and intermittent chest pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. It often occurs when bacteria enter a break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection.

• Abscess: This is a pocket of pus that forms in response to a bacterial infection. It can cause swelling, redness, and pain.

  • Treatment usually involves draining the abscess and taking antibiotics to clear the infection.

• Lymphangitis: This is an infection of the lymph vessels that can cause red streaks leading from the wound, fever, and sometimes a general feeling of being unwell.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection.

The chest pain and stiff neck you're experiencing could be related to your skin infection, especially if the infection is severe or has spread. However, these symptoms could also be unrelated. Chest pain in particular can be a sign of serious conditions like heart disease, especially in people with risk factors like diabetes.

What you can do

It's important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can examine your arm and possibly drain the abscess or prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. They can also evaluate your chest pain and stiff neck to determine if these symptoms are related to your skin infection or if they're signs of a different condition.

In the meantime, you can try the following to help manage your symptoms:

1. Apply a warm compress to the swollen area on your arm. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain.
3. Try to keep the area clean and avoid scratching or picking at the wound.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms worsen or don't improve within a few days.
• You develop a high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C).
• You notice red streaks leading from the wound, which can be a sign of a more serious infection.
• Your chest pain becomes severe, is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea, or if it's not relieved by rest.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.