time line of a skin infection

[serenissima]

Notes to self, so I'll know what to tell my doctor next time I see her.

summer 2003 - first skin infection, on left cheek. Started from a pimple that I deliberately tried to pop.

November 2003 - second skin infection, on right thumb. Started from an abrasion.

November 2004 - third skin infection, on left earlobe. Started from a piercing.

Friday, June 3, 2005 - large pimple on left cheek had been there for several days.

Saturday, June 4 - pimple popped while towelling dry after I washed my face.

Sunday, June 5, morning - noticed pink flush around pimple, approx. size of a quarter.

Sunday, June 5, ~5 PM - pink flush had expanded to larger than a half-dollar. Applied mupirocin 2% ointment left over from previous infection.

Sunday, June 5, 10 PM - flush expanded slightly larger. Applied ointment.

Monday, June 6 - skin was normal colored, but itchy. Applied ointment at 7 AM, ~2 PM, and ~9 PM.

Tuesday, June 7, 7 AM - slight flush had returned, approx. size of a quarter. Applied ointment. Skin was itchy & I failed to refrain from scratching edges of cheek.

Tuesday, June 7, 1 PM - entire left cheek flushed, swollen and itchy. Near panic, went to employee health service. Obtained prescription and went to nearby pharmacy for antibiotic capsules. Took first dose of cephalexin 500mg pill at ~2 PM.

Tuesday, June 7, 10 PM - left cheek still pink all over, swollen and extra-sensitive; little bumps starting to appear. Applied ointment and took pill.

Wednesday, June 8, 7 AM - most of left cheek still flushed, swollen, bumpy, sensitive but less itchy; would probably have progressed to oozing blisters by now without the antibiotics. Applied ointment and took pill.

Wednesday, June 8, 2 PM - flush is slightly faded in color but not noticeably smaller in area. Edge of cheek itches. Took pill.

Comments

[403.livejournal.com]

Eeugh. Hope that gets fixed soon.

[copperwolf.livejournal.com]

Yes. It's scary how fast these infections progress. Never underestimated the powers of Staphylococcus and/or Streptococcus. :p

What I want to know is, what am I doing that I've gotten so many?!

[breimh.livejournal.com]

I hope you're able to clear it up soon. Are you eating differently, or have you begun using a new type/brand of soap or other cleaning agent? Maybe it's something like that?

[copperwolf.livejournal.com]

No, I didn't change my habits. I know how the infection started, but I don't understand what the difference is between that pimple and other large pimples I had in previous years. The big change was my moving across the country and taking a new job; my soap was the same.