Boils on Buttocks

Boils, also known as skin abscess, refer to localized infection, deep in the skin. The affected area will be tender and red initially and takes on a much harder and firmer form, later. After some days, the center of the boil can be noticed to start being filled with pus. This pus is formed by the body to prevent any infection. When the center forms a head and becomes soft, white or yellow, then it can be surgically opened and the pus can be drained out from the body. Some people may also suffer from multiple boils and they may develop fever. An itching sensation usually begins before the boil develops. Apart from occurring on buttocks, boils can also affect other parts like the face, thighs, underarms, legs, shoulders, back, etc.

Causes

Generally a cut, scratch or any kind of breaks in the skin cause the hair follicles to become infected with staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). When this infection occurs, the body sends specialized white blood cells called neutrophils to the infected site to confront the infection. So, this immune response of the body trigger the formation of boils with inflammation and finally the formation of pus.

Treatment Methods

Never drain the boils until they show signs as mentioned above, which indicate that the boils should be drained out. Boils when drained out prematurely, i.e., when small and firm, may worsen over time, increasing the pain and the risk of infection too. So, once you notice that a boil on your buttocks has formed a head and become soft, drain it with a small incision in the tip. Large boils, however, may require to be taken care of by a health-care practitioner. However, at most times, you can drain the boils using a sterilized needle. Draining the boils can greatly relieve pain and discomfort, helps in a speedy recovery and lessens scarring. Doctors may recommend the use of antibiotics to take care of any recurrent infections.

Home Remedies

Applying warmth to the infected area. Soak a washcloth in warm salt water and put the cloth on the affected area. The warmth of the cloth will encourage circulation and help the boils to rupture and drain more quickly. The same effect can be brought by the use of suction. Immerse a cup in a bowl of hot water and let it sit for some time. Take the cup out of the water and let it cool down a bit. See that the cup does not get too cold or nor too hot. Place the cup over the boil for some time. The heat will produce suction and encourage the flow of blood and circulation in the area, thus helping in the drainage.

Alternatively, you can also use some fresh thick slices of onion to be placed over the boils. Cover the area with a cloth. The chemicals in the onion will bring the boils to a head and drain.

After having drained the boils, wash the area and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Not to mention, always wash your hands after treating boils and wash any articles such as towels and the likes, which have come in contact with the infected area. This will prevent the risk of the infection from getting spread to others.

Although you cannot always prevent the occurrence of boils on your buttocks or elsewhere, you can reduce the risk of infection. Any cuts, bruises and the likes must be washed well with soap and water and treated with anti-septic or antibiotic ointment as soon as possible. Wounds must always be covered and never left open, especially, when you are out of home. Refrain from sharing personal items and inculcate a habit of keeping your hands clean and dry all the time.