Patient's question:
All symptoms: The baby got vaccinated yesterday with the DTP (booster) vaccine. After the bath at night, there was a little redness at the injection site, similar in size to a pimple. This morning, a 5 cm diameter red swelling was found at the injection site, and the area feels warm to the touch. Is this serious? Do I need to go to the hospital for treatment? Thank you!Onset time and cause: Treatment status: Desired help: Is it serious? Do I need to go to the hospital for treatment?
Doctor's answer:
Hello! What you mentioned should be the BCG vaccination. The reaction after BCG vaccination is different from general preventive injections. About 3 weeks after vaccination, redness and swelling will appear at the injection site, which gradually softens in the center, forming small white pustules. When the pustules rupture, pus will be discharged, and it takes 1-2 weeks to form a scab. After healing, a round scar may remain. The above process generally lasts for about 2 months. BCG vaccination can also commonly cause lymph node enlargement near the injection site (mostly axillary lymph node enlargement), which is a normal reaction. As the injection site heals, the enlarged lymph nodes will also subside on their own. You can use heat to promote their subsidence. If an abscess forms, you can ask a doctor to use a syringe to drain the pus, which will promote healing. It generally will not affect the child's health.Advice: When there are pustules or ulcers at the vaccination site after BCG vaccination, there is no need to apply ointment or bandage. However, the area should be kept clean, and clothes should not be too tight.