Hello Dr.

I developed a large acne cyst between my eye and temple about 10 days ago, I could feel it coming in as it was very painful. It is drying and resolving now. However 4 days ago, I awoke with a painful jaw and pain next to the front side of the ear. I figured this is drainage from the cyst causing inflammation or even a 2nd under the surface acne brewing. As it was Friday, I waited the weekend and saw the nurse practitioner yesterday. She looked in the ear said it was red, felt some swelling in the parotid gland and noticed an enlarged lymph node under the neck. There is no fever. She prescribed an antibiotic which got rejected by my insurance. Due to the weekend and the delay, it has now been several days and I think the pain and swelling are subsiding. The antibiotic is ready for me to pickup. I have some vacation time (in the sun) coming up and I do not want to miss out on this due to being on antibiotic and needing to avoid the sun. IF the pain and swelling continue to subside, do you think I am asking for trouble by avoiding the antibiotic and relying on my body to fight this off? I am a healthy 38 year old male.

thanks,
J