To be sick of boils in private area (might be TMI)

[NewfoundlandProvince]

I’ve name changed for this. About four times a year I will get a boil on the skin between anus and vagina. It’s always painful, lasts about 10 days then breaks on its own & I get immediate relief.

I shower daily and clean everywhere down there with mild unscented soap. I make sure to dry very thoroughly. I do not shave that area. I wear cotton undies and don’t wear tight clothes. I use paper free toilet paper (bamboo).

About 10 days ago I got one in the same area. This one is a different ball of wax. It’s big, about the size of a ping pong ball cut in half, firm and red. I was in such agony and I know you aren’t supposed to do this that I tried draining it myself only it didn’t drain. It bled drops at a time but never drained. I ended up going to Urgent Care (USA) and the nurse practitioner said it wasn’t going to drain, to use hot compresses on it and gave me oral antibiotics.

I’m supposed to go traveling next week and the thought of being in an airline seat with this pain is creating real anxiety! Plus the fact I’m walking oddly because of where it’s located. If anyone else gets these I’d be very grateful for any ideas to prevent another one to to get me through this agony. Thank you!

Is this HS? Do you get them anywhere else?

I was thinking HS too. My friend has this but doesn't get it in her armpits.

yes thirding HS.

I’m not sure what hs is. I never get them anywhere else. I have had chemo for lymphoma but that was 30 years ago.

I used to get shallow boils all around my vulva. They were painful, used to burst quite easily and pus/blood came out. I think it was an infection that originated from a dodgy swimming pool. They go away when I use hibiscrub (it’s a wash that you use in the shower, people often have to use it before an operation to reduce the chance of infection). You can buy it in Boots.

Agree with HS. I have it in my groin, did have it in one armpit but I had surgery which crossed fingers has helped
They're really painful so I empathise but I think you're doing everything already. I use hot compresses, hot baths and loose clothing

Herpes Simplex?

Hidradenitis supprativa is HS

I used to get a fair few of them. Same place. It was a Streptococcus (?) Thing. Just unfortunate. I had to regularly chuck half a bag of Epson salts in the washer on a maintenance wash to clear it all out and add some to washing to keep it at bay. It stopped when middle son moved out.

knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/hidradenitis-suppurativa/

So I had this thing called Bartholins cyst. It was similar to what you describe. I was told by the nurse to get that bastard in a sitz bath with warm water and wash myself 3-4 times a day with hibiscrub and to rinse it off in the shower. Not to use tissues but a small fresh towel every time which should be boil washed after use. Then to dry with a hair dryer on medium low setting. I swear it worked. Oh and also to bring it to a head with a warm hot water bottle to finally drain the fucker. The next time it happened I resolved the issue within days with this method whereas I know it lasts weeks in some people.

Sounds like HS I have it as well its quite literally a pain in the bum. I find lots of warm baths, hot compresses and leaving it alone not poking at it or trying to burst is the best course of action. I wear breathable cotton pants, try to keep my weight down and eat well and try to manage my stress and that all tends to help me avoid flare ups in the first place. You could see your gp again to see if they could consider draining it or if you need medication but draining isn't always helpful as it can come back worse so best course of action is unfortunately trying to wait it out. I'd be keeping as much heat on it as you can and try to avoid too much walking for now.

Sounds like perianal abscess? There can be underlying causes for repeat issues. Short term but I wonder if an inflatable ring or cushion for the up coming flight will help. Never suffered but have read some real horror stories. Easy for me to say but don't try to burst it yourself the risk of infection is incredibly high.

I agree it sounds like this.

Thank you all so much. I think it is HS. I will research this. Thank you again🌸

Sorry pressed post too soon. It could very well be the Bartholins cyst. I will look this up too, than you 🌸🌸

I thought HS was really rare yet there seems to be quite a few of you saying you have it. Is there a specialist that you can see ? Just asking as I had a client who was trying to claim a disability benefit for it but didn't want surgery. Has surgery been successful in most cases?

I have it, Had it for about 5 years before they diagnosed me. They didn't know what was wrong for so long, ended up being sent to a specalist and was disgnosed from there. I opted not to have surgery as yet as have been told it can sometimes come back.

I thought that Bartholins cysts are on your labia, not your perineum?

Yes that is why the person I am helping won't have surgery as there's no guarantee it will cure the problem. It seems really debilitating and affects her life in so many ways - what clothing she can wear etc.

I second the donut type cushion recommendation - I've not tried an inflatable one, but huge relief.

sounds in the wrong place for a bartholin cyst - but the care routine outlined by the poster probably equally appropriate.

Not always successful and they won't offer surgery unless it's pretty severe and then you're into skin grafts etc
I had incision and drainage but it didn't close so they did a skin flap which seems to have helped
My groin.. I get maybe 1 a week. Never seen a specialist

There is no surgery, often an incision and drain is offered for a large abscess but it will refill if the sac is not removed.
There is no cure for Hidradenitis suppurativa it is just management and many dermatologists have no clue.

Ask them to test you for metacillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus Pantone Valentine Leucocidine