Boils in the genital area

Definition

A boil is a form of abscess, i.e. an inflammation of a hair follicle, which is usually caused by bacteria. This purulent inflammation occurs in the hair root area and spreads to the surrounding structures and fatty tissue. The most frequent boils occur in the neck, in the area of the breast, in the extended intimate area (groin, inner thigh), in the armpits and in the nose.

Symptoms of a boil in the genital area

A boil usually only becomes noticeable when the inflammation begins. The area around the developing boil is reddened and heated. In addition, the pressure in the area of the affected hair follicle increases, which becomes painful.

One can hardly sit, urinate and especially jeans pants chafe and hurt a lot. Also the pus formation can be seen from the outside: in the reddening caused by the inflammation a whitish center can be seen. It is strongly discouraged to press on a boil and try to open it like a pimple by squeezing.

This can lead to much larger infections. The pus from the boil usually empties itself. A boil is an active inflammation and therefore often associated with strong local pain, which becomes stronger under movement and stress.

The more a boil is filled the more the skin is under tension. Boils are particularly unpleasant in the genital area, as there is increased strain due to the walking movement and tight clothing. In addition, the genital area is very well supplied with nerves and pain is perceived more strongly there. In case of severe pain a doctor should be consulted.

Special features for men

Basically, there is no difference between boils in men and women. A common problem in men is not only boils in the genital area, but in many medical cases. Men go to the doctor much less often and try to manage on their own.

Since boils occur particularly when the body’s immune system is weakened, the increased occurrence can be an indication of an undetected disease such as diabetes. With regular check-ups such basic diseases can be recognized and treated. In addition, men often experience a feeling of shame when they experience symptoms in the genital area of all places.

Men have more boils in the anal area in particular than women because men have more hair in that area. Since the area is also difficult to see, the boils are often only noticeable when they become painful. Furthermore, men often sweat more than women and the bacteria causing staphylococci multiply more in warm, humid regions. These conditions are present in the genital area especially in men due to sweating.