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What Causes Painful Boil On Buttocks?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Dec 2014
Question: I have a huge blister/boil type thing on the cheek of my bum... I used a baby lotion I have never used before yesterday and I slept with a heating pad, I believe it to be a massive burn from the heat but it is burning and red around it. It is about 2in wide and way bigger than I have ever seen before. I have never had anything like this before. There was nothing on my bum yesterday but was there when I woke up. After being up and moving around I feel liquid pouring into it. It was empty the first time I saw it. It is burning and hurting bad. What do I do? Should I go see someone for it, cover it with gauze and try to go about my business, (it hurts to sit and walk because of my clothes rubbing on it.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
likely a blister

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

If it is related to a burn then it is a blister which is a large fluid filled cavity. Blisters are usually sterile (the fluid is not infected).

They form in response to any burn so it there is a history of heat application to the area then this is likely.

The application of silver sulfadiazine would help, this is an antibacterial cream that is used in burns to treat and prevent infection from occurring.

The blister will burst on its own, if you purposely burst it with any instrument (eg pin) which may not be completely sterile then there is a risk of introducing infection.

IN addition the use of oral pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen would help with the pain.

The naproxen or ibuprofen as well as the silver sulfadiazine should be available over the counter.

Another possibility is an abscess.

An abscess is a collection of pus. It is secondary to an infection. Treatment of an abscess is incision and drainage of the abscess as well as the use of oral antibiotics.

The blister should be more superficial and you may be able to visualize the fluid present.
In an abscess, you would not normally be able to see the discharge unless it is oozing out.

If it is not clear which one of these it may be then it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment so treatment can be initiated.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Painful Boil On Buttocks?

Brief Answer: likely a blister Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic If it is related to a burn then it is a blister which is a large fluid filled cavity. Blisters are usually sterile (the fluid is not infected). They form in response to any burn so it there is a history of heat application to the area then this is likely. The application of silver sulfadiazine would help, this is an antibacterial cream that is used in burns to treat and prevent infection from occurring. The blister will burst on its own, if you purposely burst it with any instrument (eg pin) which may not be completely sterile then there is a risk of introducing infection. IN addition the use of oral pain killers such as ibuprofen or naproxen would help with the pain. The naproxen or ibuprofen as well as the silver sulfadiazine should be available over the counter. Another possibility is an abscess. An abscess is a collection of pus. It is secondary to an infection. Treatment of an abscess is incision and drainage of the abscess as well as the use of oral antibiotics. The blister should be more superficial and you may be able to visualize the fluid present. In an abscess, you would not normally be able to see the discharge unless it is oozing out. If it is not clear which one of these it may be then it would be best to see your doctor for an assessment so treatment can be initiated. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions