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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be worried about my arse

73 replies

Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 14:13

Name changed.

Basically, this summer I morphed into a repulsive monster - I kept getting these painful spots on my arse. It started with one, then that one would go, but two others would appear.

Nightmare.

So, after 3 months of trying everything I could think of (benzoyl peroxide, tea tree, witch hazel, hydrocortisone, turmeric tea etc etc) I have been to my lovely dr who prescribed oral antibiotics. Nearly finished course and things are MUCH improved.

BUT!!! She did say they might come back. Obviously there are more steps to take if this happens. But I can't bear them to come back. They made me feel so awful. I am soooo dreading feeling a new one erupting Sad

So... how can I prevent it??? I was already doing all the obvious stuff - two showers a day, cotton pants etc

I feel like I don't really understand what caused them in the first place, so don't know what's for the best. I realise I should have asked the dr more questions... but I didn't...

Any ideas? My arse needs your help.

OP posts:
onanothertrain · 29/09/2018 15:31

There is a condition called hidradenitis suppurativa that starts out with boil like lesions. Just to make you aware of it as it's not well known and it can take years to get a diagnosis.

Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 16:07

GP did mention bacteria that can "get inside" - so I understand that that's why antibiotics are needed.

I guess what I don't understand is how, if the antibiotics get rid of that, how the spots can then come back.

Also, if the antibiotics work (which they seem to be) and they're working from inside , how can what I put on my skin from the outside have a pivotal effect on the condition?

Some of the spots (one in particular) were so deep down, big and hard - it's difficult to see how exfoliation would help with those ones...?

OP posts:
Babyroobs · 29/09/2018 16:33

It could be a hormonal problem exacerbated by tight clothing etc.

BackToTheFuschia7 · 29/09/2018 16:41

Did your GP ever swab to find out what bacteria was present? Could it be a staph infection?

Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 16:56

She didn't do a swab, no.

OP posts:
DancingForTheDog · 29/09/2018 17:05

It has been a particularly warm summer. Do you sit on a plastic seat for work? I find I have to put a cover on plastic seats so my bum doesn't sweat.

Strongmummy · 29/09/2018 17:09

You don’t fake tan do you? I ask coz when I’ve used a particular brand I get very spotty !!!!!!

chipshape · 29/09/2018 17:13

Try a gluten free diet for a while.

mimibunz · 29/09/2018 17:18

I have the same and read that olive oil kills the bacteria. I was desperate so tried it and it cleared up within a few days.

Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 17:32

Oh that sounds good mimi
Is it any special sort of olive oil? Did you have deep painful spots too?

OP posts:
Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 17:35

Also intrigued by the gluten-free thing... any idea how long that would take to show an effect?

OP posts:
JarredHeart · 29/09/2018 18:10

I have had similar issues with big painful spots on my arse! I've had multiple courses of antibiotics and unfortunately it had returned with a vengeance a few times! At the moment it isn't bad at all. Last flare up I was between doctors due to moving away from the area so I tried a few things myself. I found Apple cider vinegar and salicylic acid pads worked wonders! I wouldn't use any harsh exfoliant, something gentle should be fine.

Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 18:34

Thanks Jarred I haven't tried salicylic pads so that's a possibility if it does come back. Where did you get them from?
Have tried apple cider vinegar but not sure if it helped as I didn't do it consistently- it stung/ irritated a bit and I was anxious about it, as any tingling/itching in that area makes me think another spot is coming!

I suspect stress might have something to do with the issue in any case. The annoying thing is that the spots (or the fear of their return) is the main source of stress at the moment! I just hated them so much. Made me feel really down and worthless.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 18:49

Dancing Yes, I thought heat wouldn't have helped. but I don't do a desk job so don't sit down much at work.

OP posts:
marmitedoughnut · 29/09/2018 18:51

Best thread title ever Grin

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 18:51

We're they actual boils?

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 18:55

A boil an be a big well of infection with a very narrow opening and this leads to a painful build up of pressure. Also means that if you take the top off one it oesnt clear it up or lead to a release of the pressure.

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 18:56

You can bottle top them which pulls out all the crap, though

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 18:58

However the most successful remedy in my experience with the kids, is oral antibiotics, and they worked a dream. If you've finished the course and the boils went then there's a really good chance that's the end of it.

RandomMess · 29/09/2018 19:00

Very much could be Strep A it needs super strong and longer than usual course of antibiotics.

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 19:01

I apologise for being so invested in your arse boils but I can also recommend msm crystals (sulphur) which you make a paste out of and smear on.

Charliethefeminist · 29/09/2018 19:01

They're usually staph aren't they

notwhitedee · 29/09/2018 19:06

I used to get this really bad like boils . I actually stopped wearing knickers and changed to cotton pyjamas etc loose fitting clothes and it's stopped happening didn't use any treatments either X

RandomMess · 29/09/2018 19:10

Thing is if you do have strep A and then it gets into your blood stream = blood poisoning so it's important to know!

Original poster
Cressida89 · 29/09/2018 19:16

I really don't know if they were boils Charlie Some were small... but a couple were absolute bastards.

Dr typed 'folliculitis' into the computer when doing the prescription- that I do know. But my ignorance is such that I don't really know if that means that they are or aren't boils. Also don't know if it's a phenomenon entirely separate from acne.

I do realise I should have quizzed dr more thoroughly Sad I just always feel I shouldn't take up too much time. Feel guilty sitting there going on about my arse.

I really appreciate all yr responses. You've really cheered me up. Never knew so many people cared about my arse

OP posts:
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