Baby Boy Bum Boils...Sigh...

[SB2021]

Has anyone else experienced this? I've heard they are relatively common among infant boys, due to testosterone levels that peak around 2 to 3 months before mellowing out at 6 months. My son got his first one when he was about 7 weeks old. Thankfully it came to a head on its own and healed with the help of hot compresses after every nappy change and frequent baths. He's got two more now. Thankfully none have abscessed, but that's what I'm always worried will happen. Any tips for how to prevent them? Any creams that help? (We've been using Sudacrem). Any encouragement from mums whose baby boys had these for a while? When did they stop coming? He is my third son and none of the others got anal boils! In general, he's a very happy, healthy, big, sweaty, stinky baby. Definitely seems like he's got high testosterone!

Oh bless him! Sounds a nightmare for you!
I don't have any experience with this, but perhaps he could benefit from some nappy free time on a mat? Get some air to his bum!

Thanks, loafcake! Yes, it has been a bit of a nightmare --- a constant low-grade worry at the back of my mind. That's a good shout re: fresh air! When we do the hot compresses, I try to keep his nappy off as long as possible. The problem is that he's an open-air pooper, so having his nappy off is a bit dangerous...

@SB2021 that's the problem isn't it! I was always scared of my daughter doing a poop on the floor (and rolling around in it 😳), but a good waterproof mat should do the trick! Maybe you can have him in the kitchen with you until you're more confident, if your house is all carpeted?

That is a good idea! Thank you. =)

@SB2021 not the same as our little one had nappy rash from being a newborn, but similar in terms of low grade worry for a good few months until it calmed down.

Agree with lots of nappy off time, even if it's 5/10 mins to air his little bum. Assuming he is living down and kicking about we laid him on a Terri towel and pegged it loosely together so if he did poo or wee it would catch it whilst still getting a bit of air on his bum. Then cleaned him and gave him the chance to air again.

Lying

I’m going through the same with my boy who is 5 weeks today. His boil appeared at 10days ( he was 10lb 12oz born so lots of testosterone!) I agree such a low grade worry o feel like I can’t be 100% happy because of it. We are using compress and water for every nappy change and hv advised bepamthen better than sudacrem as it allows skin to breath. Use a puppy pad for nappy free time. So far acidic cream and antibiotics havn’t worked. Gutted

I can’t any evidence that testosterone is the cause, do you have any links?

As far as I know they’re just normal bacteria related boils, keeping clean and dry is the best thing. I’d avoid sudocrem and the like as that will clog skin pores. Warm salty water is best, maybe a bath?

May not be the same but when my daughter was a preschooler she had recurrent bum boils. GP always prescribed antibiotics and it would go, then another after a few weeks.

My nieghbour is a nurse and said that the antibiotics weren't treating the underlying infection and suggested we requested a swab.

I did this, the GP was reluctant but agreed....called the next day as swab had come up with MRSA. We had to wash with hibiscrub for a week I think (whole family) and she never got another boil.

Good luck

Yellow metanium might be worth a try. Cures most bum related things better than sudacream.

I'm the original poster. Just to follow up on this in case anyone else is dealing with the same problem: the boils completely cleared on their own when my baby was about 8 months old. Hurray!