I am 31/male. Around June-July 2018, I was involved in

Posted on Sat, 23 Mar 2019

Question: I am 31/male. Around June-July 2018, I was involved in a lot of promiscuous oral activity with ~10 other males. End of July, I started noticing a hard bump between my groin and stomach area, that eventually turned into a painful pus-filled blister that eventually burst and trained out, leaving behind a dark red-brownish scar until date. Since yesterday, this area has again started to swell, become reddish and I%E2%80%99m afraid it%E2%80%99s going to turn into a boil again soon. Can this be genital herpes despite the location of the boil?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have viewed the image and gone through your query.

This seems like a Furuncle rather than Genital Herpes. A furuncle is a bacterial skin and soft tissue infection, most commonly caused by staphylococcus aureus. I suggest you to take an oral antibiotic e.g Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid combination (Augmentin or Clavum, 625mg), three times a day for a week or Cephalexin 500mg (Phexin), thrice daily for a week. In addition I suggest you to take an oral antiinflammatory e.g either Ibuprofen or diclofenac, to help reduce pain and inflammation. Topically, I suggest you to apply Mupirocin 2% ointment (T-Bact), twice daily.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Kakkar S. (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor.... why is it recurring though?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a recurring boil

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I advice you to screen for HIV since you have a history of risky sexual encounters. If that comes to be ok then i don't think there is anything to worry.

take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Kakkar S. (2 hours later)

I%E2%80%99m visiting the US right now dr and dont have a prescription.. any OTC medicine I can buy?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Oral antibiotics are prescription drugs. You may use an OTC topical antibiotic e.g Neosporin ointment but I don't think it would help by itself. An OTC painkiller e.g Ibuprofen would help with the pain and inflammation.

take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Kakkar S. (10 hours later)

Hi Dr... i have applied neospirin thrice since yesterday and the boil seems to have become wrinkly and soft now.. what does that mean and what will happen next?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a furuncle

Detailed Answer:
Hi..
Perhaps it may discharge. I suggest you to continue with the topical application.

take care. Let me know if you need any more assistance.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Kakkar S. (10 hours later)

Hi Dr.. I noticed this on my hand right now after a hot shower.. could it be connected to the boil?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar S. (33 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a rash

Detailed Answer:
thank you.

Seems like it is a result of rubbing or scratching the area. I suggest you to use a soothing lotion e.g calamine lotion, twice or thrice, a day for 2-3 days. This seems different from the boil. Not related.

take care
Let me know if you need any more assistance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T