Furuncles are purulent inflammations of the hair follicle in the hairy body area caused by bacteria. In addition to the face, the groin area and the intimate area are often affected. The boil develops when an inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis) worsens and forms a pus-filled lump in the skin that can be up to several centimeters in size.
This is enclosed by a capsule and can develop into an abscess in the groin. If boils appear repeatedly at the same place, this is called furunculosis. This occurs mainly in patients with an immune deficiency.
Causes of a furuncle in the bar
Boils develop when bacteria, which otherwise only occur on the skin surface, penetrate the skin and infect the hair roots in particular. This initially leads to hair follicle inflammation, which can become a boil if it is not treated. One of the typical places where a boil likes to develop is the groin and the intimate area.
Especially when using wet razors, microtraumas occur here, which allow the pathogens to penetrate the hair root. More about shaving on our page Boils after shaving Since this area is also constantly covered by clothing, heat and moisture promote the reproduction of bacteria. The skin folds in the groin also contribute to the formation of boils.
If the hem of the underwear runs over an infected area, this is not only painful but also leads to a worsening of the symptoms. Patients with diabetes mellitus or other immune defects, such as AIDS, are particularly affected by recurring furuncles. Even very severe overweight can promote the development of furuncles, especially in the groin, since the increased folding of the skin promotes bacterial growth.
What role do the lymph nodes play in the development of a boil?
If a boil is not treated, it is possible that the bacteria will spread to the neighboring lymph nodes and cause inflammation there. In the worst case, this can then spread via the lymphatic system and develop into sepsis, i.e. blood poisoning. Especially in the groin, however, the lymph nodes themselves can also become noticeable as swollen nodules.
Since important lymphatic stations for the legs are located here, they are generally also affected by infections in the leg or genital area. In contrast to a boil or abscess, however, these are not overheated or inflamed. The pus filling of a furuncle is also a clear demarcation criterion.
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