Tulsa World: Recurrent boils need to be cultured to find the right treatment

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Recurrent boils need to be cultured to find the right treatment

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association
Published: 11/30/2009 2:27 AM
Last Modified: 11/30/2009 8:54 AM

Dear Dr. Gott: I'm a generally healthy 24-year-old female. I've been getting recurring boils in between and under my breasts for about eight or nine years. I've been to my family doctor, who referred me to a dermatologist who prescribed minocycline. It didn't help, so I was then given cephalexin, which didn't help, either.

What are my options apart from medication? I use a hot washcloth to bring each boil to a head so it pops.

Dear Reader: These lesions can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on hair-bearing areas that experience friction or are likely to sweat, such as the face, neck, armpits, buttocks or thighs. Women, especially those with large breasts, often experience them under their breasts.

Because you have recurring boils, they should be cultured to determine what bacteria are causing the infection and which antibiotic will best treat them.

A home treatment involves applying a warm washcloth or compress to the area for 10 minutes every few hours. Try soaking the cloth in warm salt water.

It may also be beneficial to wash the area gently several times a day, and then cover it with antibiotic cream and a bandage. Some people have had success in treating boils by applying tea-tree oil to the area several times a day. This treatment may cause an allergic reaction in some, but because it contains antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal agents, tea-tree oil may speed healing.

It is important never to squeeze or lance a boil, because the act may lead to a worsening infection. Also, wash your hands with warm soapy water every time you touch the boil, and launder any clothing or fabric that may have come in contact with it.

Finally, change dermatologists until you find one with whom you feel comfortable.

Write Dr. Gott c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave. 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

By PETER GOTT, M.D. Newspaper Enterprise Association

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