I feel pain in my neck (lowest part still covered with hair). it is even more painful to touch. it feels like a big/hard zit/pimple/lump. it is red and feels hot. i don't remember being bitten. should i try tropical heat even if it feels hot?

Abcess: This may well be a skin abscess or boil from an infected ingrown hair. Apply hot(not too hot) moist compresses for 20 minutes several times a day to promote drainage of pus. Keep the surrounding skin free of the staph bacteria by applying alcohol which kills bacteria on contact. Try to keep a gauze on the boil using paper tape, not adhesive tape. See an MD if persistent swelling,pain or redness.