There is a lump next to the collarbone

Generally speaking, our cheeks are prone to acne due to excessive oil secretion, but some people also find that they have a lump next to their collarbone. What is the cause of this? If it is a skin problem, there are generally two possibilities: one is a subcutaneous cyst, and the other is a boil. Today we will introduce these two aspects to you.

There are two possibilities.

1. Subcutaneous cysts: They can occur at any age, but are more common on the head, face, arms, and back during young people. It is a soft or multiple soft or solid spheres with a diameter ranging from 1 to 3 cm. Pyroma is buried in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, adhered to the skin, and has a movable base. Small openings can be seen on the skin surface. When the cyst is pushed, it is tightly attached to the skin and slightly sunken with a small pit, which is the opening of the duct where the gland directly reaches the skin surface. Some openings are plugged with a small black acne-like plug from which white waxy substances can be squeezed out. The disease may occur for many years without symptoms, and is prone to secondary infection, suppuration and ulceration, and some may have a very bad smell. Literature reports of canceration, most of which turn into basal cell carcinoma and a few turn into squamous cell carcinoma, with a canceration rate of approximately 2.2% to 4%.

2. Furuncle: It is a purulent infection of hair follicles and the surrounding tissues deep inside the hair follicles. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. Recurrent furunculosis in the anogenital area may be secondary to anaerobic infection. 5% are sterile and caused by a foreign body reaction, such as a ruptured cyst. It is more common in teenagers. Susceptibility factors include long-term carriage of S. aureus, diabetes, obesity, poor hygiene habits, and immunodeficiency status.

Initially, small red, swollen and painful nodules appear locally, which gradually swell and become cone-shaped. After a few days, the center of the nodule becomes soft due to tissue necrosis, and small yellow-white pus plugs appear; the area of ​​redness, swelling, and pain expands. After a few more days, the pus plug falls off, the pus is discharged, and the inflammation gradually disappears and heals. Antibiotic ointment, such as mupirocin ointment, can be applied externally. When there is a pus head, apply carbolic acid on the top. When there is fluctuation, drainage should be performed as soon as possible. Immature boils should not be squeezed to avoid spreading the infection.

Antibiotics should be used systemically in the following four situations:

1. Folliculitis is located around the nose, in the nasal cavity or in the external auditory canal.

2. Large or recurrent furunculosis.

3. There is cellulitis around the lesions.

4. The skin lesions do not respond to local treatment.

Drugs that are sensitive to the pathogens, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, macrolides, and clindamycin, should be given.