what are boils?

Question

I get these boils under my breast and between my thighs they hurt really bad and when they bust it look i have a hole there.....what can it be, I been to doctor I don't have an std what else can it be....

Answer 1

A boil is really an overgrown pimple, and it takes the name from the way it looks and feels. They are caused when the bacteria normally found on the surface of the skin gets into a hair follicle or sweat gland, and into the skin, causing a localized infection of the area. As the body fights it off, it starts off as a hard red spot, and is forced to a head near the surface of the skin where it can spontaneously drain. A boil can occur where ever you have skin, but they are most common in areas of the body which are rubbed, or where sweat can build up and not be easily evaporated- places like the armpits, groin, and under the breasts of women. In your case, you may reoccurences because you are inadvertantly spreading the bacteria from one site to another. The key to breaking the cycle is to control the spread of the bacteria and to do those things which will improve airflow/dryness of the affected skin areas. An all cotton bra, which provides good support and lifts the breasts up off the chest wall would be a good place to start. If you normally wear an underwire bra, you might consider changing to one without. In some cases the wires just rub the skin wrong. Use an antibacterial soap to wash the areas that cause you trouble, even something like Phisophex, to do battle with the bacteria. Using a medicated powder to increase slide potential of the skin should also help, as well as adding something to help keep the area dry. Whenever you can, it would also be good to get air and sunlight to the affected regions. I realize this last one is a bit tough, but at least when you are home you could wear a very loose gown and go commando for the airflow. If you happen to get a boil anyway, be sure to wash with the antibacterial soap, and try not to touch any other skin until after you wash your hands. Don't use the washrag/sponge over the infected spot and then over the rest of the body. Afterwards, dry the spot with a different towel, and apply an antiseptic ointment to the spot and cover with a bandage. Keep it covered until it has drained and dried, and change the bandage several times per day to keep the bacteria down.
If you are overweight, it will also help to lose some weight and exercise. Overweight folks tend to have the problem because the skin rubs against itself and the clothing, and sweat accumulates in those areas. It won't necessarily prevent all boils, but it will help a lot. In the meantime, just do what you can to help cut down on the rubbing with a medicated body powder, and looser fitting clothing.
If you are diabetic, even borderline, you may have more tendency to form boils. You should also look at your diet, and try to make sure you have a good balanced diet. While some folks say a diet high in fat and sugars, and processed foods cause them, it's not really the bad diet but the result of the nutrition you aren't getting that increases the risk. Avoid steamy hot baths, bath oils, bubble baths, and even too much bathing. Once a day is plenty, more than that should be just a wash up of the areas that need it. Too much bathing probably causes more skin problems than not enough bathing, though of course being dirty isn't a good idea either.
If all else fails, go see a dermatologist. There are some medications they can try if it has became a chronic problem, and perhaps it would give you some relief and a chance to get back in control.

Answer 2

Furuncles or boils are deep-seated infections with Staphylococcus aureus in and around hair follicles, often in a nasal carrier.
Styes are boils that involve the sebaceous glands around the eyelid.A carbuncle is a coalescence of multiple furuncles which may lead to multiple points of drainage on the skin surface.
They occur only on hairy surfaces, such as neck, thighs, and buttocks of men, and the axilla, pubic area, and eyelids of both sexes, the latter surfaces predisposed to boil formation by friction or maceration.
The boil begins as a nodule at the base of the hair follicle, followed by a pimple that remains painful and red toe a few days.
A yellow apex forms, and a central core becomes necrotic and fluctuant.
Microscopic features: A furuncle consists of a deep dermal abscess centered on a hair follicle.
This is usually destroyed, although a residual hair shaft is sometimes present in the center of the abscess. There is often extension of the inflammatory process into the subcutis. The overlying epidermis is eventually destroyed and the surface is covered by an inflammatory crust.
Rupture or incision of the boil relieves the pain. Several boils may occur in close proximity, and they often recur.

Furuncle: http://www.histopathology-india.net/Furun.htm
Carbuncle: http://www.histopathology-india.net/Carb.htm

Answer 3

Your skin condition is probably a boil, which is also referred to as a skin abscess and is a localized infection deep in the skin.

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 infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the blood stream to eradicate the infection.

This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is known as pus.

Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Answer 4

Boils are sores filled with pus. Generally if you are getting an STD it will be in the genital area or mouth area. Not anywhere else on body. You need to see a doctor. It could be caused by sweat.

Answer 5

diebetics often get boils. have you been checked?