Any particular concerns about having a boil on shoulder and primary lymphoedema affecting lower limbs?

[DeborahS32]

Probably coincidence, but in 2016 I first developed lymphoedema symptoms in my right foot and leg. Shortly afterwards I had a very nasty boil on my shoulder which lasted several months but eventually (with help of antibiotics) get better but left a large scar.

Now another boil has developed where the scar tissue is from the original boil.

Does anyone know whether there are any particular issues for me with the lymphoedema? It was misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated for several years before being diagnosed at St Georges as primary lymphoedema. Based on past experience, I'm not confident that my GP will have enough knowledge/training about lymphoedema and my lymphoedema clinic is shut since the start of lockdown.

Slightly urgent as I'm currently self-isolating in prep for unconnected eye surgery next week, which I'm hoping won't be derailed by the boil. (also coincidentally repeat of eye surgery I first had in 2016. Maybe I've hit a personal time warp???).

Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Deborah

[Lynora]

A ‘boil’ can form as a result of staph aureus entering the skin surface through a hair follicle. Staph aureus also causes cellulitis, which is why antibiotics worked to clear the original infection. You should contact your GP, and eye clinic, as it is very likely you will need a course of antibiotics.

[DeborahS32 in reply to Lynora]

Thanks ever so much. And you’re right - luckily I was able to speak with a GP in my practice and I’m taking the antibiotics I have just in case of cellulitis.

Grateful to you for responding so quickly - as always! You’re a star xx