What's best for a boil, let it head or keep it down?

[liljagster]

I get boils "down there" and use prescribed Bactroban Cream on them after applying a warm compress.  They never get red (I catch them early) and usually go away one to two weeks of medicating.  I currently have a boil that this med is not helping.  I usually get the boils in the same places once or twice a year, but this is a new one and it's in a very inconvenient spot.  My question/concern is... would it be better to let them come to a head and pop on their own or to keep using the medicine and keep them from ever maturing?  I did read on one of the doctor's replies to try Bacitracin (which is over the counter) and I will try it.

Thanks!  It's so nice to find this web community.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
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 on the boil and keep the area clean. Drainage of the boil is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head .Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription.

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.

[martikadragoon]

I'd say that if the other treatments aren't working, let it come to a head (the warm compresses help alot).  that way you can get the bacteria out, and allow it to heal.  My brothers and father used to get them all the time.