Groin Boil

[Rockrose]

No head on it yet, but it’s huge.
Other than putting hot cloths on it is there another way to encourage it to move on?

[Sqad]

First of all be absolutely certain that it IS a boil that it is a "boil" as it is an odd place for a boil to present, it may be that we are dealing with an enlarged lymph gland or perhaps a hernia.

From many of your previous posts it is clear that your medical knowledge is above average so I will continue on the basis that it is a boil.

Leave well alone until it bursts and do not apply any surface heat in any form as i have never convinced myself that it is helpful in "bringing the boil to a head".

Take analgesics if pain is an issue e.g Ibuprofen.

Antibiotics: I see no need for these if you feel well in yourself and do not have a fever.

If this has not resolved in any way within 5 days e.g that it hasn't burst or it has got noticeably bigger, then see you GP.

[Rockrose]

Sqad thanks for your response. I have never inferred that I have medical knowledge I leave that to others.
as I can’t take ibruprofen would paracetamol work?

[Sqad]

Yes RR that would be fine.

[Rockrose]

Ok yuck moments there is what I think is plasma coming out of it? Put a dressing on and keep cleaning it?

[Sqad]

Well that seems to confirm you diagnosis of a boil and I have agree with your further management.

[Peter Pedant]

can I suggest the obvious
which is that it needs lancing and you should see a doctor ?

oh and how big - zit, unsighly zit, small gull's egg, half a banana etc
( sorry that is a line from Dr in the House innit?)

red inflamed hurts etc?

[Peter Pedant]

if you feel obliged to pick at it
then why not spoon it? hur hur hur

mugga hot water - wooden spoon. ( must be wood) wood in water and then onto zit .... repeat.
The wood retains the heat - metal tends to sear.....

[Sqad]

PP..

"can I suggest the obvious
which is that it needs lancing and you should see a doctor ? "

On a Sunday, for a boil? Best of luck.

[Chinajan]

Apply a compress of magnesium sulphate [Epsom salts] to the area.

[loulou111]

My partner had this in the same place. Turns out it was a gland that was blocked and surgery was needed. I would go and see your G.P

[Eve]

As Sqad says, leave it be to do its thing, trying to force it can spread the infection. If it doesn't resolve itself then, if the GP thinks it needs sorting, it can be done under sterile conditions, make sure the area is properly cleared out and packed, then arrangements made for it to be checked on and the packing/dressings changed.

Just keep it clean and dressed. If it's leaking a lot (or properly goes) then maybe a cotton wool pad over it which can be replaced more frequently than a dressing, useful to keep an eye on what is coming out too. I usually put a little bit of antiseptic cream on the pad/dressing. Then dressings while it heals up. Try to avoid too much pressure on it if possible.

If it just keeps leaking yellowy fluid and blood and no more "yucky" stuff then keep a close eye on the site, even if it calms down, in case it hasn't properly resolved and reforms.

Urgh to the wooden spoon, doesn't wood also retain germs, last thing you need to be sticking anywhere near an infected area!

[Rockrose]

Thanks Eve