Is this an IBD caused abscess???

[Meg585]

Hi. I seem to get these purpleish red things about the size of a thumb print on my lower stomach, usually the sides. I usually dont even know they are there until I accidently scratch or touch it and get a BAD stinging pain!!! They usually stick around for about 8 weeks or so and then they are just gone and a few months later another one appears. When I have actually scratched them open on accident, there is blood and pus inside and it takes awhile for it to actually scab over. Any thoughts??? Please???

 

[Grumbletum]

Hi Meg and welcome to our forum. I've not had external fistulae or abscesses, but from what I've learned from friends here, if they were abscesses they would hang around a lot longer. However, there are plenty of Crohns related skin conditions.
I think it would be best to head off to the docs and get it checked out, to be on the safe side.
Are you on any meds?

 

[barmybev]

Hi I have had 4 abcesses come on my stomach, but they went into fistulas straight away as soon as they popped. I would agree with grumbletum to get it checked with your doc. Hope you get it sorted Bev x

 

[KWalker]

I'm not sure if what you have is an abscess. I know with mine, it doesn't scab, and doesn't go away on its own. You should check out my thread called "lots of puss/blood". You can find some helpful info there and you can see what mine looks like to give you an idea.

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Meg,

It sounds like it could be Erythema Nodosum. Are you flaring at the moment?

They aren't that uncommon for those with Crohn's, check out the skin forum...

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=84

And as the other posters have suggested, have your doc check them out.

Good luck!

Dusty. xxx

 

[Meg585]

hello everyone and thanks for the feedback. I would love to go to the doctor but unfortunately I dont have one! I have no insurance and and moved out of state about a year ago. Every doc i have tried so far has turned me away saying that i need to find a different doc b/c of how sick I am and b/c of my inabiity to pay. I am trying another one, but he could not fit me in until Jan. So of course I am gonna keep trying.... I NEED to see someone, I have not been doing well at all for quite awhile. But as for the moment all i have is the internet and my best guess as how to take care of myself.
Also, I am prone to fistulas, but whenever i have told a doc in the past about them or had them checked out, the doc has always just told me that i had to just deal with them and keep them clean. I have one right now that has been draining for years....... the sores I described are painful, but not so painful as to make them uncopable or anything. when I saw everyone talking about abcesses i just wondered if that may be what they are. But it doesnt sound like it so far. Thank you all again for your feedback!!!

P.S. I have UC not Crohns

 

[Meg585]

Looked up EN and yes it does sound like what I have. Thank you for the suggestion!