boils

what causes a boil and how to get rid of it. i have one on my private part and it very painful

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Boils occur when bacteria move in to a pore or skin cyst.  If hot compresses and neosporin or bacitracin ointment (both OTC)
don't help, you might have to see a doctor to have them lanced.  But more likely than not, you wan't have to.

As to wehre the bacteria come from, that's tough to say.  Poor hygience is usually NOT the reason.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[spiritsong]

I have had these genital "boils" off and on since my mid thirties. Stress/fatigue/hormone changes seem to trigger them. Nothing I tried was effective. Even oral antibiotics only cleared them for a short time...then...in desperation, I tried Benzagel..an acne medication containing Benzoyl Peroxide gel. It works like a charm! - especiallly if you start appying it at the first little itch or tingle that signals the start of one of thse boils. My doc ok'd this as safe to use in the pubic area (stay away from mucous membranes!). Caution though..this product will bleach underclothing and probably pubic hair to some degree.