What Causes Recurrent Boils In The Buttock Area?

Posted on Sat, 17 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 17 May 2014 Answered on

Fri, 6 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been getting boils on my buttocks since I was a teenager.. As a teenager I had chronic step throat n mono n impitego as a small kid.. I do no my older brother had boils on his neck n face.. Thru the years I've had lots of breakouts with boils n did show dif doctors during the course of my life but some said they didn't no what they were or dismissed it.. I am 48 years old female have been thru breast cancer twice n now I'm dealing with an open wound due to radiation treatment n has been 4 years n hasn't healed yet.. It has caused staph infection n a bladder problem which I just am now getting tests for.. As of last 5 days I have had another boil break out it started with one at the top of my buttocks n I think there are 5 new ones.. What kind of treatment n doctor can help me n are these boils causing me health problems due to them recurring over so many years.. In need of help..

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
To rule out recurrent folliculitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear XXXX
I do understand your difficult situation you have been facing since so many years. First and foremost let me reassure you things can be taken care off.

Recurrent boils in the buttock area could be due to following
1. Recurrent Folliculitis: it is inflammation of hair follicles
2. Fungal infection: It's more likely especially if there is discolouration and itching associated
3. Scabies: It is also associated with itching.

Exact diagnosis will depend on clinical examination by experienced Dermatologist. Alternatively in the meantime you can also send us clinical photograph for further assessment.

Do get back to me.

Take care

Best Regards
Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS, MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar