Boil in the groin: symptoms, causes and treatment
A groin boil is an infection at the root of the hair that causes symptoms such as a lump with pus in the groin that can grow over time, pain, increased local temperature, redness and sensitivity to touch, for example.
This type of infection is caused by bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus , which is naturally present on the skin, but which can cause local inflammation due to poor hygiene, skin damage or the use of razors for shaving, for example.
In most cases, the boil in the groin disappears spontaneously without the need for treatment, however, to speed up the elimination of the boil, you can apply a compress with warm water to the area at least 3 times a day. In some cases, the dermatologist may also recommend the use of antibiotics.
Symptoms of a boil in the groin
The main symptoms of a boil in the groin are:
- Lump with pus in the groin, which may grow over time;
- Presence of a whitish-yellow spot on the seed;
- Pain or discomfort in the lump;
- Swelling and redness at the site;
- Increase in local temperature;
- Touch sensitivity.
Furthermore, in some cases, a low fever or swelling in the groin may also appear, for example.
A boil in the groin should not be confused with an inguinal hernia, which is a lump that also appears in the groin area, but which is due to the exit of part of the intestine through a weak point in the abdominal muscles. See more about inguinal hernia and how to treat it .
Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist or general practitioner whenever symptoms of a boil appear in the groin, so that the most appropriate treatment can be diagnosed and initiated.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of a boil in the groin is clinical, being made by a dermatologist or general practitioner through the assessment of symptoms, health history and physical examination, observing the characteristics of the lump in the groin.
