I'm an 18-Year-Old Male Dealing with a Painful Boil and Unsure of My Next Steps
Hello everyone. I feel a bit embarrassed to reach out, but I find myself in a bit of a predicament. I’m 18 years old and male, and I don’t take any medications. I've encountered a few boils in the past, which I suspect may be linked to a condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa. Fortunately, they have usually resolved without any lasting complications. Typically, I treat them by applying Vicks VapoRub along with warm compresses until they drain on their own, after which I feel much better. However, I recently drained a boil, and when I woke up today, there was some soreness—not too alarming at first. I had a busy day ahead, and with the heatwave we experienced, I ended up sweating quite a bit, which might have worsened the situation. Now, the boil is more tender, and it seems to have swelled back to its original size before I drained it. There’s also an unusual “bubble” where it drained, similar to what happens when you get a blister from a burn, even though I haven’t burned myself. It’s been about half an hour of warm compressing, but it hasn’t burst on its own, and pressing on it is painful. Is it crucial for me to consult a doctor? The thought makes me uncomfortable since it's located near my genitals and I identify as transgender. Additionally, I would have to talk to my parents about it, as I've never visited a doctor by myself before. Should I leave it alone and hope it ruptures, or is there something more that I should be doing? I’m feeling quite uncertain about my options here.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 3:30:50 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain and a bit embarrassed about your situation, especially given the location of the boil. Here's what you need to know and what steps you can take next.
Main Points:
- Boils can be painful, and while many resolve on their own, your current boil showing increased tenderness and swelling after draining raises some concern.
- It's important to monitor for signs of infection and consider follow-up care if it doesn’t improve.
Explanation: Boils, or furuncles, are usually caused by bacteria, often Staphylococcus aureus, and can be linked to various factors, including friction, warmth, and moisture—common issues during a heatwave. Since you’ve drained a boil before, it’s logical that you would expect improvement; however, if it is swollen again and painful, it may be indicative of an infection or that the boil has not completely resolved.
The unusual “bubble” you mentioned could be a pocket of fluid, and it’s concerning if it hasn’t drained fully. It's best not to apply excessive pressure, as this may worsen the infection or cause additional pain.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Warm Compresses: Keep doing warm compresses for about 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. This can help improve blood flow to the area and promote healing.
-
Avoid Pushing or Pricking: Do not attempt to pop or squeeze the boil, as this can spread the bacteria and worsen the situation.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the boil for any changes, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or if you develop a fever. If these occur, it becomes more critical to seek medical attention.
-
Consider Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If pain increases, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage discomfort. Follow dosing guidelines on the package.
-
Plan to Seek Medical Attention if Needed: If the boil does not improve within a few days, shows no signs of draining, or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. You can ask for a discreet visit or seek services designed for young adults if you prefer privacy.
Addressing health concerns, particularly in sensitive areas, can feel daunting. Remember, healthcare professionals are accustomed to discussing and treating these issues, and prioritizing your health is the most important factor. If you're not comfortable discussing this directly with your parents, consider reaching out to a trusted adult or a local health service that supports youth, as they can offer guidance and help you navigate this situation.
Related Questions
Two Weeks Without a Bowel Movement: A Concern
I admit sharing this feels a bit awkward, but here goes. As a 20-year-old female, I've experienced a significant drop in my bowel movements, having expelled only around 50 grams of stool over the past two and a half weeks. Strangely enough, I don’t feel any urge or fullness in my abdomen. My diet and hydration levels are normal, and I don't experience any discomfort or noticeable bloating. This raises questions for me about where my waste is ending up. What little I do manage to pass is very soft and resembles mucus, which is certainly not pleasant. I have encountered some neurological challenges and am scheduled to undergo testing for neurogenic bladder, which could be relevant to my situation. My primary concern at this moment is determining how long I can wait for my upcoming appointment. I do have a visit with my general practitioner lined up, but it’s still a week away. I appreciate you taking a moment to read my post. I apologize for the graphic nature of these details!
Understanding Numbness in the Skin: Short-term and Long-term Experiences
I’m a 22-year-old female, weighing about 53 kg and standing at 167 cm tall. Currently, I’m on a regimen of antidepressants and iron supplements. As a vegetarian, I’ve dealt with anemia in the past, but I don’t think that’s linked to the numbness I’m experiencing. However, I do have scoliosis. Approximately six months to a year ago, I began to notice a numb sensation in my right foot, specifically in my thumb. Over time, this numbness has spread to my left foot, affecting my pinky and three other smaller toes. There were instances when my knee felt numb for a brief period, and just yesterday, a spot on my buttocks went numb for about an hour. The areas where I feel numb only have tingling sensations and lack feeling, but I don’t believe my mobility is impacted. Visually, the skin looks normal; there’s no discoloration or other visible issues. I’m becoming increasingly concerned about this situation, especially since my schedule doesn’t allow me to visit a doctor right now. Do you have any insights into what could be causing these symptoms? Is there a possibility for recovery, or could this condition deteriorate further? I lead an active lifestyle and fear that this problem might diminish my quality of life. Additionally, I want to mention that I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for many years, which makes me wonder if this could be a lingering effect. I also consume nicotine and have had past issues with kratom; I’m not sure if these factors are relevant to my current situation.
Persistent High ALP & CRP Levels - Family Concerns and Medical Dismissals
For the past three consecutive years, my blood tests have consistently shown elevated levels of ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and CRP (C-reactive protein). Each time I inquire about the implications of these findings, my healthcare providers tend to downplay them, indicating that they are not significant since my other test results appear normal. I’m seeking clarity on what these high readings might indicate (I’m a 29-year-old woman). Additionally, I’d appreciate recommendations for ways to lower these levels, apart from the common advice to maintain a healthy lifestyle—something I'm already striving for! My father often expresses concern, warning me that I might develop diabetes like many others in our family. Although my glucose levels returned normal, I can’t shake the fear that the raised ALP and CRP could signal that I’m on the verge of being pre-diabetic. I currently only take birth control pills and Elvanse for ADHD; however, these elevated levels have been present since long before I started any ADHD medication.
Concerning Experience with Kaiser Urgent Care and DMV Reporting
I’m a 24-year-old woman, standing 5’10” tall and weighing 210 pounds. I don’t smoke and I’m not on any medications regularly. Recently, I encountered a troubling situation at Kaiser urgent care, and I feel compelled to share it and see if others have faced anything similar. Approximately two months ago, I experienced a fainting spell, which was unprecedented for me. Prior to this, I was suffering from a sinus infection, had taken a higher dose of Sudafed (a measure I verified was usually acceptable according to Kaiser’s advice), and I was under considerable anxiety and stress. The circumstances seemed directly linked to the situation, rather than indicating a seizure disorder. To ensure my well-being, I visited urgent care the following day but was only attended to by a Physician Assistant or Medical Assistant, not a doctor. Unfortunately, the professional’s demeanor was patronizing and critical; he attributed my episode to marijuana use, prompting an emotional reaction from me. Without adequately informing me of the legal consequences, he proceeded to notify the DMV, resulting in the suspension of my driving license. He incorrectly assured me that merely acquiring a doctor’s note would suffice to restore my license. However, the reality has proven to be far more convoluted and taxing: - I needed to initiate a discussion with my primary care physician. - A referral to a neurologist was necessary. - There was an extended waiting period for that appointment, which is finally scheduled for tomorrow. - The DMV form I received spans over six pages and might even necessitate an official hearing. This entire ordeal has been protracted, anxiety-inducing, and unnecessarily convoluted. I strongly believe that Kaiser should enhance training for their urgent care personnel, particularly regarding the ramifications of reporting individuals to the DMV. The ordeal left me feeling frightened, embarrassed, and lacking support. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation at Kaiser? What should I expect from my upcoming neurologist appointment?
What Could This Dark, Soft Lump Under My Armpit Be?
Greetings! I'm a 21-year-old male and I've noticed a small, dark, somewhat rounded bump nestled beneath my armpit. It's not particularly solid; when I apply pressure, it gives way like clay but has a firmer texture. When I attempted to remove it, it didn't come out completely easily. Its size is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 cm in diameter. I'm relieved that the surrounding area isn't tender, swollen, or inflamed. Is there anyone who can offer insight into what this might be? Should I take this seriously and consult a medical professional?