Dr. Sandra Lee, a dermatologist widely known as "Dr. Pimple Popper," suggesting this is a screenshot from one of her educational videos.
Here is a breakdown of what is shown:
The Condition: This appears to be a very large carbuncle or an infected epidermoid cyst.
A carbuncle is a severe abscess formed by a cluster of boils (furuncles) that are interconnected subcutaneously (under the skin). It's a deep infection of the hair follicles, most commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The multiple "heads" (the yellowish and greenish points where pus is visible) are characteristic of a carbuncle.
An infected epidermoid cyst can also present similarly. A cyst is a sac filled with keratin, but if it becomes inflamed or infected, it can swell, become painful, and fill with pus.
Visual Signs:
Pus Points: The yellowish and greenish areas are collections of pus and necrotic (dead) tissue at the surface, indicating the body's intense inflammatory response to the infection.
Erythema and Edema: The surrounding red, swollen, and inflamed skin (erythema and edema) shows the extent of the infection and inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Surgical Markings: The dotted black lines are surgical markings made by a doctor. These lines are used to outline the affected area before a procedure, typically an incision and drainage (I&D), to ensure the entire abscess is treated.
Important Medical Context
This is a serious medical condition that requires professional treatment. It is not something that can or should be handled at home.
Treatment: The standard procedure for a lesion this large is incision and drainage. A doctor will numb the area, make a surgical incision to open the abscess, drain the pus and infected material, and often pack the cavity with gauze to allow it to continue draining and heal from the inside out.
Antibiotics: Oral or intravenous antibiotics are almost always prescribed to fight the systemic infection and prevent it from spreading.
Dangers of Self-Treatment: Attempting to squeeze or drain a carbuncle or large abscess at home can be extremely dangerous. It can push the infection deeper into the body, leading to a more severe infection (cellulitis), widespread infection in the bloodstream (sepsis), and significant scarring.
In summary, the image captures a moment before the medical drainage of a severe skin abscess, likely a carbuncle, by a professional dermatologist.