Boil near my vagina

[tennisace]

How do I treat a boil next to my vagina? Do I need to see a doctor and get antibiotics prescribed for this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Boils are caused by infected hair follicle. Pls keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful.In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed.Pls consult a dermatologist in that case.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.

[tennisace]

How does a hair follicle get infected? Is there any way this can be prevented?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Boils are caused by infection of the hair follicle by staph aureus.Hair follicles that are blocked by greasy creams, petroleum jelly, or similar products are more vulnerable to infection. Bacterial skin infections can be spread by shared cosmetics or washcloths, close human contact, or by contact with pus from a boil or carbuncle.To prevent them,adequate hygiene should be there,wear cotton undergarments and change them twice a day and pls do not use other people’s towels/clothes.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have additional queries. Kind regards.

[tennisace]

I've soaked myself in epsom salt water for 30 minutes and have applied neosporin on it, as well as applying hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean. It's now a big red area. I've covered it with a bandaid with the neosporin on it when I played tennis this morning and it bled a little during the time I've had the bandaid on. Should I see a dermotologist at this point? It is still painful.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can consult a dermatologist.If oral antibiotics are needed,then he may prescribe them.

I hope that helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or in case you have additional queries. Kind regards.

[tennisace]

I went to the doctor this afternoon and was told that it is not a boil; it's a sebaceous cyst. So he lanced it and inserted an antiseptic strip in it which should be kept there for three days. However, I forgot to ask him if I could go into the swimming pool at all while this "hole" is healing. Would it be all right for me to do that, or should I keep away from the pool until it has healed completely?