Boil in pubic area that wont go away

[Rudybegas]

I have had a boil for over two weeks now that almost goes away but then comes back.  It pops but never all the way.  Even when I hot compress it it never fully drains.  I ride a bicycle a lot and thought the irritation was from that so I took a week off and it is still there.  It is very painful, what should I do?  I don't have insurance so to go to a doctor which one?  dermatologist, gy?  I have had one in the exact same spot in previous years but it always goes away after a couple days.  This one lingers!

[Rudybegas]

Thank you for the advice.  It looks like I will have to resort to antibiotic as it is still not going away.  It almost went away and then came back and this has been the story for over a month now.  I think it gets aggravated because of the location.  I do not have insurance is it possible to go to a pharmacy and get antibiotics or do I have to go to the doctor?  Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like a boil. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Apply warm compresses and 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 Neosporin cream can be used. But an oral course of antibiotics after incision and drainage is also required.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.