Question:
This is so gross... I keep getting boils right.. oh gawd!! right on my butt crack!

I'm so embarassed!! But as soon as one seems to go away, another pops up.. right on my butt crack. On both sides. And I can't get rid of them. What can I do about this? It's not like I don't bathe. Some of them are very painful! I've lost quite a bit of weight, and I wonder if there is some sort of imbalance or.. Just wanna know how I get rid of them!!!!! Michelle 10/13/03 425/230/200(maybe) — Michelle J. (posted on November 22, 2004)

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November 22, 2004
Michelle You may not be getting "boils". You could very well have a condition known as hidradenitis Suppurtiva. If this is an ongoing condition and does not stop, you should approach your PCP about this issue. Chances are he will not know what you are talking about and look at you as if you have 3 horns erupting from your brow.....but that is to be expected. Very few PCP's do know anything about this. It is mis-diagnosed as boils, acne, and many other things. The bad thing is, untreated it will only get much much worse. It can lead to los of body tissue and repeated surgeries to remove the lesions....therefore difigurement. Don't wait around on this. If your PCP is clueless, make him get a you a referral to a dermatologist that knows the disorder and how to appropriately treat it. Best Wishes Marsha
— Wings In Waiting

November 22, 2004
Michelle,this could even be a herpes related issue. Don't panic, even fever blisters & chicken pox are herpes related. You really should see a dr. to get the correct medication to clear up this condition...good luck
— juju524

November 22, 2004
Michelle, What you are discribing could also be boils, just like you said, I have had 3 boils on my back end in the past,, all within my cheeks,, the last one was 2 months after my WLS, I had to go to the ER, they called my surgeon down, (the one who did my WLS), he had to cut it open because it had attached itself to my anus. That was very painful.... Speaking of boils, my daughter and I were at the childrens hospital tonight so my 2yr old grandson could get 2 boils open and packed for drainage,, he was there last saturday for another boil... some people are very prone to boils,, here is a good website with info on boils,,, http://www.medicinenet.com/boils/article.htm good luck to you,,, Amy
— Amy Hoffman

November 22, 2004
They could be pilonidal cysts. <br> http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/ug1161.asp <br> My mom gets them (she has not had WLS). LAst year she got one and it got infected, it had to be surgically removed, she spent 17 days in the hospital and it took close to 6 months for the wound to close - she had to pack it and let it heal from the inside out. Go to your doctor, you don't want to let it get so bad that they get infected.
— Ali M

November 22, 2004
I have 2, they are usually tiny and no trouble but occasionall flare up:( My PCP saw one and didnt appear concerned. It was on the mend at the time. But mine havent gone away altogether and can be VERY painful when irritated by say too much sitting. My wife thinks I should see a surgeon and get them removed, but thats more pain. Jen has had one too. My theory is its caused by the excess skin getting pinched, since this never occured befire loosing the weight.Its still a improvement over being MO...
— bob-haller

November 22, 2004
Hi Michelle, I have battled with boils all my life and was hoping with the surgery that they would lessen or go away. Wrong! I was told that they are like a herpes virus, that most of us are born with the condition and given the right circumstances they will flare up. I get them on my butt, between my legs on the panty line, on the waistline of my pants where they rub, in between rolls of flab on my sides and occassionally in my armpit. All moist, non-breathable areas where there is friction of one sort or another. Have had to go to the ER or PCP several times in my life to have them lanced. It is not an issue of hygeine or cleanliness as I keep myself very clean as I am sure most also do. Most often I use hot packs several times a day on them, I have put bag balm (available in Walmart in the pet or pharmacy sections, a green square tin can, about $5 or so a can) on them too, both help bring them to a head and drain or they will often disappear on their own. Neither helps instantly, but over a day or two. Other things that have been suggested over the years....white cotton underpants, white tp with no perfumes, looser fitting underwear or pants, washing with an antibacterial soap or getting a prescription for phisohex soap (yeah, it is a prescription now). I have also found when I feel one coming is not to monkey with it(try to pop it or anything), but start with the hotpacks, etc. right away. If I monkey with it, it usually just gets worse. They are the worst darn things in the world and SO painful at times. Have had days where I couldn't walk because of one. It is such an embarrassing issue, but one that so many people have. Good Luck and take care!
— pearlaux

November 22, 2004
Hi Michelle, I too had this problem. Both before and after my WLS. I went to many doctors with many different ideas but never any lasting results. Two months ago I went to a different Dermatologist and he prescribed Clobetasol Cream. Within four days it was all cleared up and hasn't returned. I can usually tell when I feel one coming on...just a tingling or "different" feeling in that area. I just use the cream for a day or two and it doesn't progress any further. It may not work for you, but I would sure give it a try! Good Luck to you. Marilyn
— Marilyn R.

November 23, 2004
Hi Michelle, I'm not a doctor, however, I can tell you that I was born with a pilonidal dimple, something I had no clue about until I was an adult. I started getting cysts when I was sixteen, I had absolutly no idea what it was all I new was it hurt to sit and after a few weeks It would burst. Not until I was in my early twenties did I find out exactly what was going on. the cysts were filling almost continually, no sooner would it rupture it would fill again. The pain became unbearable. I had to cave and see a doctor. I found a very good general surgeon that I & D'd it in the office. He did recommend I have it operated on, he said It was very deep and will return. It returned nine years later and had fingered out so I was in more of a mess. I did have it taken care of and it healed well with no further issues. as imbarassing as you may think it is don't let it go you'll suffer more for it.
— Pauline C.

November 23, 2004
One more thing to worry about: Don't try to pop them, whatever they are. Trying to pop them can spread the infection deeper. Also, if this is a pilonidal cyst (I've had one) and if it bursts inward instead of outward, you could develop blood poisoning-- and that can kill you. So, my advice: hold your head high and go to the doctor. Don't be embarrassed at all.
— lizinPA

November 23, 2004
Michelle, It is very serious. I was scheduled to have gastric bypass surgery today and it was cancelled because of this pilonidal dimple/pilonidal cyst. It is in the crack and has my whole bottom swollen. I am on antibiotics and will have to be for the next 10 days. The infection is so bad and can get worst. I had my first one when I was 15 and have had it 3 times since then. I have to get my drained (not a nice experience). Once my infection is gone then I will proceed with my the surgery. I was told by my general surgeon that it has to be removed this time. infected because it so deep down. I have fever in my back and in my buttocks. I can't sit and have to sleep with a heating pad. I am on Lortab and still have alot of pain where I am crying. The hospital says after 24 hours on the antibiotics if no improvement then I will have to be admitted. This is a serious matter that I have put off for over 10 years. PLEASE Get it checked, diagnosed and corrected.
— courtney A.

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