Boils in the groin
introduction
Boils are purulent, bacteria-induced inflammation of the hair follicles in the hairy area of the body. In addition to the face, the groin and genital area are also often affected. The boil occurs when hair follicle inflammation develops (Folliculitis) worsens and forms a pus-filled lump in the skin, up to several centimeters in size. This is enclosed in a capsule and can develop into an abscess in the groin. If boils appear again and again in the same place, one speaks of one Furunculosis. This occurs mainly in patients with an immune deficiency.
Causes of a boil in the groin
Boils occur when bacteria that otherwise only occur on the surface of the skin penetrate the skin and mainly infect the hair roots. This initially causes inflammation of the hair follicles, which if left untreated can turn into a boil.
One of the typical places where a boil tends to develop is the groin and genital area. Especially when using wet razors, microtraumas arise here, which enable the pathogens to penetrate the hair roots.
More about shaving on our website Boils after shaving
Since this area is also constantly covered by clothing, heat and moisture encourage bacteria to multiply here. The skin folds in the groin also contribute to the development. If the hem of the underwear then runs over an infected area, this is not only painful, but also makes the symptoms worse.
Patients with diabetes mellitus or other immunodeficiencies, such as e.g. AIDS. Even very overweight can promote the development of boils, especially in the groin, as the increased skin folding promotes bacterial growth.
What role do the lymph nodes play in the development of a boil?
If a boil is not treated, the bacteria can spread to the neighboring lymph nodes and cause inflammation there. In the worst case, this can then spread further via the lymphatic system and up to a full screen sepsis, so develop blood poisoning.
However, especially in the groin, the lymph nodes themselves can be noticed as swollen nodules. Since important lymph stations for the legs run here, these are generally also affected by infections in the leg or genital area. Unlike a boil or abscess, these are not overheated or inflamed. The pus filling of a boil is also a clear delimitation criterion.
Read more on the topic: Lymph node swelling on the groin
Boils in the groin in men
Especially with man should, especially if other typical causes, such as the Intimate shave, do not exist, so-called acne inversa should also be considered. This is expressed through recurring abscesses, also in the area of the groin, which is often confused with a normal boil.
Boils in the groin in the woman
The most common cause of boils in the groin in women is probably the intimate shave. Since a boil is caused by an infection of the hair root, often in connection with an ingrown hair, it is favored by the wet shave.
In addition, there are the favorable conditions for bacterial growth. Especially when the boil runs in the area of the slip lines, it can be extremely painful. In any case, it should be treated medically due to the risk of spreading or abscess formation. As a rule, gynecologists are also good contacts for this.
Read more about the topic here: Boils on the vagina
Symptoms of a boil in the groin
In addition to the visible lump in the groin area, which can cause tenderness in the area, an advanced groin boil can also show itself through general symptoms. This includes:
- fever
- chills
- Exhaustion
- general feeling of illness
If these general symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted promptly because of the risk of blood poisoning. Blood poisoning is also typically expressed by a red stripe that runs along the lymphatic system on the skin.
The therapy
Most often it is possible to treat the furuncle of the groin with antibiotic ointments and disinfecting solutions.
If local treatment is insufficient, it may also be necessary to surgically open the boil. After that, it is important that the wound heals well from the inside out and that it is treated with antibacterial agents to prevent the recurrence of a boil.
Many methods from the field of natural medicine are also supposed to promote the emptying of the boil (see home remedies). As a further addition, the so-called train ointment (e.g. Ichthiolan), remove the pus from the boil. If lymph nodes or even entire lymphatic tracts are already affected, local therapy must be supplemented by systemic antibiotics. Simple penicillins or cephalosporins are usually used for this purpose.
In any case, a boil should not be treated on your own for too long in order to prevent further penetration of the germs. If the boil becomes larger, more painful or the reddening spreads during treatment attempts, a doctor should definitely be consulted.
Read more on this topic at: Treatment of a boil.
Home remedies as a therapy option
There are several home remedies available to treat groin boils. To kill the germs, acne agents that contain benzoyl peroxide can be applied.
In order for the pus to evacuate, you can encourage the boil to ripen. Simple means for this are a visit to the sauna, warm milk, a warm, damp washcloth or a towel. You can also put a washcloth or a towel in hot thyme or chamomile tea. Warm envelopes with hay flowers can also be used. In this way an antibacterial effect is achieved at the same time. However, one should be careful with all warm compresses, as the heat can also promote the inflammatory process. In general, this measure is only recommended for very small and not yet expanded boils.
A tried and tested home remedy for boils is black tea. You can put a warm black tea bag on the boil and get relief from the symptoms quickly.
Occasionally it is recommended to clean the boil with pus with a disinfected, e.g. boiled, prick needle. We recommend splitting a boil in this way only by experienced medical personnel.
Pull ointments as a therapy option
A pull ointment, also known as a pull ointment, is a medicinal ointment that has valuable properties. It promotes blood circulation, has an anti-inflammatory effect, relieves pain and itching, and reduces the flow of sebum. Indications for the use of pull ointment are skin diseases such as folliculitis, boils, acne or abscesses under the skin.
The ointment contains sulfonated shale oil and bituminosulfonates. In the case of purulent processes, the meltdown of the focus of the disease and the breakthrough of the pus are drawn outwards ("pull"). In addition to home remedies, a pulling ointment can be used to treat a boil in the groin.
Read more on the subject here: Ointment for a boil.
Which doctor should you go to?
The experts in the skin and its appendages, i.e. hair, are the dermatologists. If you have the opportunity to quickly get an appointment with a resident dermatologist or a dermatological outpatient clinic is nearby, you should have the boil treated there.
If no dermatologist can be reached in a timely manner, the family doctor will do the same.
When is an operation necessary?
Boils sometimes empty spontaneously. Small boils can occasionally be treated with home remedies and pulling ointment. However, the boils may persist.
If existing tenderness inflammations persist, you should definitely see a doctor. Often an abscess splitting is necessary. The attending physician decides whether an operation is actually necessary.
Find out all about the topic here: Operation of a boil.
prophylaxis
Preventive measure against the development of a boil are above all good hygiene and the Using disinfectant solutions after shaving. On the one hand, special aftershave products, or disinfectant solutions.
Particularly in the groin area, however, care should be taken that it does not irritate too much. When you realize that you are Wet shave not at all tolerated and boils that appear again and again should be discussed other methods of hair removal think.
Tight clothes can be another reason for boils to develop, especially in the groin area. Therefore, if one tends to rather loose clothing wear. This is especially true in summer, where by heavy sweating the conditions for the bacteria are optimal anyway. The tight clothing, in combination with the sweat, can also cause small skin lesions itself, through which the bacteria then penetrate to the hair follicle.
Also measures for Strengthening the immune system can prevent the constant recurrence of boils. First of all, the reasons for the apparent immune deficiency should always be clarified. These include e.g. have diabetes or the presence of Infectious diseases. In these cases, boils can usually develop through Treatment of the underlying disease be prevented.
forecast
Many boils mainly heal with early treatment completely off again. If you wait too long, however, it can also lead to larger expansion Formation of scars come. In some people, however, there is a type Disposition for repeatedly developing boils. Before assuming a predisposition, however, other causes should be ruled out.
