Embarrassing as it is, I've had a small boil on my buttocks for the past few months, is it serious?

I read that staph germs can cause this, now it hasnt got any worse nor better over the last month. It only irritates when I sit on it for long periods of time like right now on the computer. Dose anyone think that mine is serious, requiring medical attention, or is just a signal for better hygiene?

It may or may not have anything to do with hygiene. Boils can be caused by various factors...using hot tubs, irritated skin that becomes infected, hormonal fluctuations, diabetes, etc. It can contain staph, tho, which can spread to other areas or other people. Boils usually come to a head, pop open and drain pus and blood (which is how the infection can spread). If it hasn't popped, you can try warm compresses to bring it to a head. Keep the area clean (use anti-bacterial soap) and dry it thoroughly after washing. Don't share your towel/washcloth with anyone else to prevent spreading infection.

Popping it on your own can cause the infection to go deeper into the skin and/or worsen the infection.

You're probably best to see a doctor...a dermotologist would be preferable...since it's been there a month. Also, because the cause can be something else that needs attention/treatment. A doctor can also best advise you on how to treat it in the safest way possible.

If this occurs repeatedly, definitely see a doctor as there are more serious conditions that cause boil like symptoms. Boils are definitely not always just "glorified pimples". Good luck!

Yes you need to see a doc. It is not caused by poor hygiene it is caused by the staph bacteria which we all have in our bodies. SInce it is not healing you need antibiotics to get rid of it. Go see a doc as you should not have left it go untreated this long.

get your boily butt to the doctor, don't be embarrassed they've seen it all.

the rectal area is a classic "hangout" for boils. They develop in any place with lots of friction. Boils should be immediately reported to a doctor, as they can be serious.

Those hurt like crazy, but are not dangerous, per se. I had one a long time ago that was so bad I couldn't sit...or walk..or lay on my side (and personal hygiene is not the issue necessarily). It was terrible. My (at the time) husband ended up flipping me over, grabbing a needle, and popping the thing. After much squeezing and intense agony, it cleared up. I guess he got tired of hearing me whine about it. Better suggestion: A boil is a glorified pimple. Buy some Clearasil and apply it daily. It should dry up and clear up within a couple of days.

HOWEVER...yours doesn't sound so much like a boil as a hemorrhoid. Depends on where the thing is...

Wouldn't hurt to go to a doctor...

GO SEE A DOCTOR!!!!!! i work at a hospital and I no people how have gotten staph and then it would go away but then they would get another boil somewhere else and it just continued until they went to the doc and got a script.... good luck also try sitting on a nice fluffy pillow

after a few days a you can squeeze a boil and you will be fine. You said you have had yours for a few months, it sounds more serious than a " regular glorified pimple". see your doctor asap!

First of all, do not squeeze a boil. Second of all not all boils are caused by poor hygene. An ingrown hair or an insect bite can cause a boil as well.

Small boils can be treated with moist heat (usually a warm, wet washcloth) applied for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. This will help the boil drain on its own. Once the boil drains, cover it with a clean bandage to protect the skin and absorb draining pus. Wash the affected area daily with antibacterial soap to prevent the infection from spreading. Anyone who helps care for the infected area should also wash his or her hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

Large boils and carbuncles may be treated with antibiotics. In many cases, the doctor will drain the infected area through a small incision. This will relieve pain, speed recovery and limit scar formation. If the infection is completely drained, antibiotics may not be necessary. If the infection is deep, your doctor may fill the empty pocket that contained the pus with a strip or piece of sterile gauze. The gauze can keep the incision open, which will allow pus to continue to drain. The pocket can then heal slowly, becoming more shallow over time until it is a superficial wound. You may need to return to the doctor a few times to have the gauze and dressing changed. Call your doctor whenever you have a carbuncle, a large boil or a boil that doesn't improve after a week of home treatment as described above.

If you have diabetes, you should call your doctor even if you develop a small boil because you are more prone to developing serious infections.

Ask to be seen immediately if a boil of any size: Is located on the face, rectum, groin or spine; Produces fever or severe pain; Interferes with movement; Causes swelling, red streaks or other discoloration in nearby skin.

Remember Boils are contagous, you should keep covered with a bandage or gauze until the boil drains.