Recurring Boils

[Embarra55ingB0D1E5]

NC as this is gross & embarrassing!

I have always been susceptible to boils and ingrowing hairs in my bikini area when I have shaved or used hair removal cream but nothing majorly concerning.

However, I gave birth six months ago and since then I have had approx. 30 boils mainly in my groin area and particularly on my bottom but also one or two in my armpit. They are SO painful and really large.

I spoke to the pharmacist who basically said wash and put up with it. I do wash and I can no longer put up with it - it hurts too much and is really getting me down. I am loathed to make an appointment with the GP as the pharmacist was very dismissive but I really am reaching the end of my tether!

I am generally in good health - take multivitamins and am not on any medication with a healthy(ish) weight and a good varied diet. Has anybody got any tips or has anybody else experienced this?

TIA :)

have you tried a anti bacterial soap like dettol bar soap

I would definitely go to the GP - I had a similar thing and they ran a few blood tests as it could have been a sign of a deficiency or underlying infection I think? I was on antibiotics and also got a body wash prescribed for me which both helped.

Possibly MRSA, see a dr and get swabed and subsequently treated with the right antibiotics.

Can be due to a specific bacteria that you carry on your skin. Friction can cause tiny breaks in the skin and then it gets in underneath (which is why they tend to pop up in areas that rub). I would visit the doc and ask to have a swab done.

It sounds a lot like hydrentits suppervita (I have it). It’s a very common problem but people don’t seem to discuss it much! It has ‘stages’ and no one seems to know what triggers moving the stages on but maybe hormones did? I’m in a rush at the mo but I’ll be back shortly if you’ve got questions!

I too have been diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa which seems to be inactive at the moment 🤞. I have been prescribed hibiscrub to use in the shower and and antibiotic lotion. You should see you GP for a proper diagnosis.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa/

Please don't let one dismissive pharmacist stop you from going to see your GP for a proper diagnosis - and help.

Imagine how good it will feel handing a prescription over to the pharmacist and saying “ the GP doesn’t think I should just wash and put up with it”
Go and see the GP.

Well I'm most definitely hormonal.... I got a little lump in my throat at the kindness of the responses (in my defence I usually read AIBU)!!

@Rosydreams I have tried the liquid dettol in a bath and applied it directly to the boil but it didn't seem to do anything apart from make me stink like a 7 year old with scabby knees!

@Knitclubchatter If I had MRSA could I pass it to my baby?!!!! Panicking now!!!!

Thank you so much everybody - I am going to ring my GP first thing tomorrow and ask for bloods/swabs. I'm just googling "hidradenitis suppurativa" and after reading the first few lines it does seem to sum this up so thank you for possibly putting me on the right track!

@LuckyMarmiteLover & @Alabasterangel6 during "inactive" phases do you get any boils etc if you don't mind me asking? I need to see an "end" in sight......

I get phases with pretty much nothing. If I eat too much deadly nightshade (roasted peppers are an issue!) then it can trigger (I’ve got a corker of a boil under my right arm at the moment) but for me it’s not all the time. Ironically better in summer as I think wearing airier clothes helps. I also wash weekly with hibiscrub and daily with antibacterial soap. What you are describing is classic - groin, armpits, buttocks - all classic. Don’t let google frighten you either not everyone goes on to get to the worst horror story stages. There was a support thread on the general health board for a while might be worth looking that up?

if the typical anti bacterial stuff is not working then you may need antibiotics .The doctor should know what to do

Well luckily I have only had one outbreak this year in January. I was referred to the community dermatologist (basically a gp who specialises in dermatology and has a shorter waiting list) and finally saw her last week. I think she was s bit disappointed that there was nothing much to look at - just a few minor scars. She said mine is mild thankfully - hopefully it won’t progress. However, I have previously had to have one abscess drained under my arm drained under GA.

Hopefully yours will be mild too.

Well clever people the GP did indeed diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa!

She was lovely and said the pharmacist was refreshing at least because they usually tell everybody they speak to that they need to see a GP urgently which made me laugh!

I've got an appointment with the GP that specialises in skin conditions (and also does minor surgery), hibiscrub solution 4% to wash with and a week's worth of 500g flucloxacillin.

Massive thank you to everybody who has taken the time to comment on this thread! :)

That’s good to have a diagnosis, treatment and a referral

Good to hear!

I knew it

Whilst I’m not happy you’ve got HS, I am pleased you got the right response and can get some treatment.