Strange blistery thing.
July 2, 2006 10:28 AM Subscribe
What the heck just happened in my crotch? (Possibly not for the squeamish).
Since Tuesday, I've had what I thought was a heat rash between my thigh & testicles. I applied antiseptic cream and assumed it'd clear up. On Friday I noticed a lump which steadily grew to about the size of a pea, dark in colour and very tender. Just now, the lump popped, delivering approximately an eggcupfull of blood, and leaving a crater about the size of a penny in my leg.
What on earth was it? I've cleaned and dried the area and applied more cream, but should I bother my doctor about it, or just keep taking the medicine?
Since Tuesday, I've had what I thought was a heat rash between my thigh & testicles. I applied antiseptic cream and assumed it'd clear up. On Friday I noticed a lump which steadily grew to about the size of a pea, dark in colour and very tender. Just now, the lump popped, delivering approximately an eggcupfull of blood, and leaving a crater about the size of a penny in my leg.
What on earth was it? I've cleaned and dried the area and applied more cream, but should I bother my doctor about it, or just keep taking the medicine?
Best answer: "... You probably need antibiotics."
posted by zerokey at 1:33 PM EST on July 2
Amen. Possible blood poisoning initiation site within a few centimeters of major blood vessels sounds double plus ungood.
posted by paulsc at 10:43 AM on July 2, 2006
posted by zerokey at 1:33 PM EST on July 2
Amen. Possible blood poisoning initiation site within a few centimeters of major blood vessels sounds double plus ungood.
posted by paulsc at 10:43 AM on July 2, 2006
The abcess part of it sounds entirely normal, its the rash component that implies there might be more to it. If you had the abcess alone I would say "ingrown hair", add the rash and it sounds more like "herpes". FYI, IANAD
posted by zia at 10:48 AM on July 2, 2006
posted by zia at 10:48 AM on July 2, 2006
Response by poster: Thanks all. Yes, in hindsight my question does seem naive, but I've lived over forty years without my groin exploding, so I didn't know what to think. I shall see the doc tomorrow a.m.
Thanks seawallrunner, but as I'm Nasty, British and Short, I saw through 517's cunning sarcasm.
posted by punilux at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2006
Thanks seawallrunner, but as I'm Nasty, British and Short, I saw through 517's cunning sarcasm.
posted by punilux at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2006
Hie thee to a doctor. Seriously. That's awful close to your boys -- what if it spread or something?
The worst they'll do is say "It's no big deal." But then you'll know. Otherwise, you live in fear that your johnson might just come off at some point.
posted by teece at 11:02 AM on July 2, 2006
The worst they'll do is say "It's no big deal." But then you'll know. Otherwise, you live in fear that your johnson might just come off at some point.
posted by teece at 11:02 AM on July 2, 2006
I've been searching for half an hour to find the story that illustrates why you should get this checked out IMMEDIATELY. But this was as close as I could get—a link to the Wayback Machine archive of the header of the story in the now-defunct law school blog "Milo Goes To Law School." (It seems Milo was forced to take down his blog under some duress about a year ago—talking about other 2Ls in a public blog didn't sit too well with the powers that be.)
But anyway, one of the first posts on his law school blog was about how he got this boil on his ass the week he was supposed to start law school at Wayne State. The boil swelled and got bigger throughout law school orientation, but he didn't really know what to do about it—it just kind of hurt.
So he was still waiting for this to clear up as of the first day of classes. It was turning into a huge lump, and it hurt to sit. In the middle of one of his first classes at law school, as I recall, the boil—which was no mere boil, it turned out—burst, and the seat of his pants (and the seat of his chair in a huge law school lecture hall) was covered in blood and pus. I think he may have gone home and collapsed or something—he just wasn't feeling well, either.
Ultimately, he went to the hospital, where he learned that this was an abscess, and that internally there was a hole in his ass the size of a fist that had been filled with blood and bacteria, and that he was about thisclose to getting blood poisoning from the sepsis from this abscess. So he spent what should have been his triumphant first week of law school recovering from this huge abscess, and several months after that limping around and trying to catch up in his classes as his ass healed.
The moral of the story? Get that shit checked out!
posted by limeonaire at 11:26 AM on July 2, 2006
But anyway, one of the first posts on his law school blog was about how he got this boil on his ass the week he was supposed to start law school at Wayne State. The boil swelled and got bigger throughout law school orientation, but he didn't really know what to do about it—it just kind of hurt.
So he was still waiting for this to clear up as of the first day of classes. It was turning into a huge lump, and it hurt to sit. In the middle of one of his first classes at law school, as I recall, the boil—which was no mere boil, it turned out—burst, and the seat of his pants (and the seat of his chair in a huge law school lecture hall) was covered in blood and pus. I think he may have gone home and collapsed or something—he just wasn't feeling well, either.
Ultimately, he went to the hospital, where he learned that this was an abscess, and that internally there was a hole in his ass the size of a fist that had been filled with blood and bacteria, and that he was about thisclose to getting blood poisoning from the sepsis from this abscess. So he spent what should have been his triumphant first week of law school recovering from this huge abscess, and several months after that limping around and trying to catch up in his classes as his ass healed.
The moral of the story? Get that shit checked out!
posted by limeonaire at 11:26 AM on July 2, 2006
My uncle had something like this happen. It ended up something like limeonaire's story, and I remember them talking about there being a chance of him dying, too. This was all a long time ago, though, so details are fuzzy, but you should definitely get it checked out NOW.
posted by danb at 1:12 PM on July 2, 2006
posted by danb at 1:12 PM on July 2, 2006
Just some followup info/advice. Before I lost weight, I dealt with these constantly on my stomach (beltline) and inner thighs. It may start out feeling like a small hard lump. Never squeeze them, as you run the risk of developing a carbuncle (imagine several of those abcesses clustered together).
Three years ago, I developed one on my inner thigh. Thinking it was a zit, I tried to squeeze it (I know..never squeeze zits either! I learned my lesson!) A few days later, the area became inflamed. I tried treating it with salicylic acid, but it wouldn't shrink. A few more days go by, and I have this astoundingly painful red and purple raquetball sized protrusion that is incredibly hot to the touch. At the same time, I developed a bronchial infection. headaches, high fever and a general feeling of malaise. I was finally talked into going to my doctor. She took one look and immediately called in a nurse to prep me for "surgery". She lanced it, cleaned it and packed it full of gauze and put me in Cipro. Normally, I try to avoid antibiotics, but I didn't resist this time. It took about 2 weeks for the cavity to heal. My doc told me I was lucky that I came in time. I was on the verge of developing sepsis.
One big factor here is cleanliness. You may think you are keeping yourself super clean, but little things may affect it. I used to be the type of person who would wear pants 2-3 times between washing, or waiting until an article of clothing -appeared- dirty. My doc told me that doing that will constantly reinfect that spot because the bacteria will linger.
Make sure you go to the doctor. Just because it burst on its own doesn't mean it's completely clear. There's probably some subdermal muck. The doc may need to do a more intensive cleaning and/or lancing.
I think it's more likely to occur with people who are overweight, or simply have extra padding in the crotch and thighs, especially during hot weather (sweat, etc). So, keep clean (and dry - powdering after a shower helps), wash any clothing you've worn since developing the abcess and good luck!
posted by zerokey at 1:40 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
Three years ago, I developed one on my inner thigh. Thinking it was a zit, I tried to squeeze it (I know..never squeeze zits either! I learned my lesson!) A few days later, the area became inflamed. I tried treating it with salicylic acid, but it wouldn't shrink. A few more days go by, and I have this astoundingly painful red and purple raquetball sized protrusion that is incredibly hot to the touch. At the same time, I developed a bronchial infection. headaches, high fever and a general feeling of malaise. I was finally talked into going to my doctor. She took one look and immediately called in a nurse to prep me for "surgery". She lanced it, cleaned it and packed it full of gauze and put me in Cipro. Normally, I try to avoid antibiotics, but I didn't resist this time. It took about 2 weeks for the cavity to heal. My doc told me I was lucky that I came in time. I was on the verge of developing sepsis.
One big factor here is cleanliness. You may think you are keeping yourself super clean, but little things may affect it. I used to be the type of person who would wear pants 2-3 times between washing, or waiting until an article of clothing -appeared- dirty. My doc told me that doing that will constantly reinfect that spot because the bacteria will linger.
Make sure you go to the doctor. Just because it burst on its own doesn't mean it's completely clear. There's probably some subdermal muck. The doc may need to do a more intensive cleaning and/or lancing.
I think it's more likely to occur with people who are overweight, or simply have extra padding in the crotch and thighs, especially during hot weather (sweat, etc). So, keep clean (and dry - powdering after a shower helps), wash any clothing you've worn since developing the abcess and good luck!
posted by zerokey at 1:40 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
My Dad had something like that which turned out to be cellulitis. He was hospitalized and had multiple surgeries to rid himself of the dead, dying, or infected tissue.
He waited to go to the doctor and it almost cost him his life. Get to the doctor, immediately, don't be hardheaded like my Dad.
posted by SuzySmith at 1:49 PM on July 2, 2006
He waited to go to the doctor and it almost cost him his life. Get to the doctor, immediately, don't be hardheaded like my Dad.
posted by SuzySmith at 1:49 PM on July 2, 2006
Response by poster: Many thanks again, all, especially zerokey. I'm not normally blasé about medical matters, but this, specifically, was beyond my ken. I'll be sure to get it checked asap.
posted by punilux at 2:22 PM on July 2, 2006
posted by punilux at 2:22 PM on July 2, 2006
Good luck. Our prayers are with your crotch.
posted by horsewithnoname at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by horsewithnoname at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
I've had the exactly same thing.
Get a course of antibiotics - it's probably just a skin infection (from scratching yourself, or whatever), but have a doctor look/palpate to make sure it isn't something else (since it popped it's likely not epididymitis or a yeast infection but you never know).
A tetracycline should take care of it, but if you get something pretty strong like clindamycin it'll resolve faster (but the oral clindamycin might give you the runs/gas for a few days because it's such an effective antibiotic - it'll disrupt your normal gut microflora).
If you opt not to go to the doctor, either go commando or wear loose undergarments (especially in this weather). Keep the area clean and dry (alcohol wipes?), and make sure you a) stay hydrated, b) get enough nutrients, and c) get enough sleep - this'll help your immune system mop up the remainders.
The salicylic acid will help open pores and decrease inflammation but isn't an extraordinarily good antibiotic.
posted by porpoise at 4:22 PM on July 2, 2006
Get a course of antibiotics - it's probably just a skin infection (from scratching yourself, or whatever), but have a doctor look/palpate to make sure it isn't something else (since it popped it's likely not epididymitis or a yeast infection but you never know).
A tetracycline should take care of it, but if you get something pretty strong like clindamycin it'll resolve faster (but the oral clindamycin might give you the runs/gas for a few days because it's such an effective antibiotic - it'll disrupt your normal gut microflora).
If you opt not to go to the doctor, either go commando or wear loose undergarments (especially in this weather). Keep the area clean and dry (alcohol wipes?), and make sure you a) stay hydrated, b) get enough nutrients, and c) get enough sleep - this'll help your immune system mop up the remainders.
The salicylic acid will help open pores and decrease inflammation but isn't an extraordinarily good antibiotic.
posted by porpoise at 4:22 PM on July 2, 2006
I second the idea of getting this checked out by a doc, for a couple reasons. One is that antibiotic-resistant staphylococcus is becoming more and more prevalent in the community; a quick swab and culture can find out what antibiotics can still kill the bug.
The other reason is that occasionally a psoas abscess presents this way, "pointing" (releasing blood and pus) somewhere in the groin, although there's usually a bit of pain involved (not always!). If you have been having soreness of, or difficulty moving, the hip joint on that side, you should assume that you are critically ill and must rush to the E/R immediately.
posted by ikkyu2 at 6:48 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
The other reason is that occasionally a psoas abscess presents this way, "pointing" (releasing blood and pus) somewhere in the groin, although there's usually a bit of pain involved (not always!). If you have been having soreness of, or difficulty moving, the hip joint on that side, you should assume that you are critically ill and must rush to the E/R immediately.
posted by ikkyu2 at 6:48 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
ikkyu2-How does a neurologist know about psoas abscesses? :)
But all the advice to get checked out is right; it sounds like any of a number of superficial skin infections that are not seriour, but it could certainly extend further. Its also important to know that in this day and age, as many as 50% of community acquired abscesses are due to methicillin-resistant staph and so require more advanced antibiotics. Still not a big deal, but something best handled by an expert. Also a reminder to not use antibiotics unless you really need them, and to use them properly then.
posted by TedW at 7:54 PM on July 2, 2006
But all the advice to get checked out is right; it sounds like any of a number of superficial skin infections that are not seriour, but it could certainly extend further. Its also important to know that in this day and age, as many as 50% of community acquired abscesses are due to methicillin-resistant staph and so require more advanced antibiotics. Still not a big deal, but something best handled by an expert. Also a reminder to not use antibiotics unless you really need them, and to use them properly then.
posted by TedW at 7:54 PM on July 2, 2006
TedW - I love making a diagnosis, especially when it's a rare one and outside my supposed field of expertise. It's one of the few pure pleasures in my life. :)
posted by ikkyu2 at 9:28 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by ikkyu2 at 9:28 PM on July 2, 2006 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: And Lo! The prayers were seemingly heeded, by who- or what-ever does the heeding of prayers in your philosophy.
In the interests of closure; the doc. confirmed an abcess and prescribed the mighty Flucloxacillin, a 7 day course following which my crotch will be born anew.
So 'the boys' and I thank all who responded and suggested I go to the doctor.
Sorry to disappointyou, ikkyu2. I'll try for something more interesting next time.
posted by punilux at 6:49 AM on July 3, 2006
In the interests of closure; the doc. confirmed an abcess and prescribed the mighty Flucloxacillin, a 7 day course following which my crotch will be born anew.
So 'the boys' and I thank all who responded and suggested I go to the doctor.
Sorry to disappointyou, ikkyu2. I'll try for something more interesting next time.
posted by punilux at 6:49 AM on July 3, 2006
FWIW, I've got a couple of sebaceous cysts on the butt that go batshitinsane once in a while and turn into boils. I've got it down to a fine art that when they first start to itch, I throw in some Vit C and they usually just settle down right away.
Disclaimer: I personally don't believe you can cure anything with vitamins, and I don't believe in taking big handfuls of anything, even water-soluble, for any length of time, or permanently. That said, a week or so doesn't seem likely to hurt you, and it worked on somebody once, so might be worth a try if it ever does this again. I'm not saying instead of medical care, I'm saying if you happen to think to try it at the very beginning, maybe you can head it off. Before I discovered this, I was getting them lanced several times a year, and now I haven't had surgery in several years.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 7:16 AM on July 3, 2006
Disclaimer: I personally don't believe you can cure anything with vitamins, and I don't believe in taking big handfuls of anything, even water-soluble, for any length of time, or permanently. That said, a week or so doesn't seem likely to hurt you, and it worked on somebody once, so might be worth a try if it ever does this again. I'm not saying instead of medical care, I'm saying if you happen to think to try it at the very beginning, maybe you can head it off. Before I discovered this, I was getting them lanced several times a year, and now I haven't had surgery in several years.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 7:16 AM on July 3, 2006
BTW, antiseptic cream does jack. If you have red, irritated skin, non-prescription strength hydrocortisone cream is an excellent first drug to try.
posted by Pocahontas at 12:41 PM on July 4, 2006
posted by Pocahontas at 12:41 PM on July 4, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
Make sure you clean it well. It may be worth talking to your doctor. You probably need antibiotics.
posted by zerokey at 10:33 AM on July 2, 2006