Scuba Boils?

[gratefuljames]

The last 2 dive trips I have been on, a person on the trip came back and got 2 nasty skin boils - but got them probably about a full week after the last dive. The last time under the arm, and this time right on her cute little azz (ok, it's huge, not her azz, this boil and it is very painful, and looks nasty). Is this a coincidence? She wears a wetsuit, and is "free" enough to do what she has to do while in the water (she thinks maybe this has something to do with it - me, I have no clue, but I don't know why she would get one in her armpit then). I believe that boils are basically subcutaneous staph-infections and are caused by bacteria (true?). So, is this wetsuit or whatever-in-the-wetsuit-related, and if anyone knows some fast treatment (other than sitting in hot water and using antibiotics) any help or input would be greatly appreciated...also, any strategies to prevent this in the future would be appreciated as well...I'm stumped...but she works out every day too...maybe sweaty gym clothes? - she's really clean as well...no hygeine issues...

 

[dlndavid]

check out this thread. here
It shows up at the bottom of yours, no pun intended.

 

[Saturation]

Yes, it does sound like hidradenitis. If you can post a digital photo it would help. Most cameras take incredible macros.

 

[gratefuljames]

Yes, it does sound like hidradenitis. If you can post a digital photo it would help. Most cameras take incredible macros.

Oh I don't know if she'll go for that...in the name of science maybe...lol...however, I looked at that thread, and these are popping up (pun intended) a week after diving...does that sound right doc?

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

her cute little azz (ok, it's huge, not her azz, this boil and it is very painful, and looks nasty)

For acute treatment, pop it with a needle and clean it with betadine. Or go to the doc and have it lanced. Either way, pain relief is immediate. I had one there, it hurts like he!! to even sit still.

 

[gratefuljames]

There's no way she's popping it with a needle (and I'm definitely not doing it). Maybe the Dr. will lance it this week. He gave her Cipro (!!!) and some bacteria cream thing and said it was too soon to lance it, but it's been weeping pus and ugh for a day and a half now...my questions were definitely wanting to figure out more of the causative and preventative...if possible, although I do appreciate it (and know I did ask)...thanks

 

[DandyDon]

There's no way she's popping it with a needle (and I'm definitely not doing it). Maybe the Dr. will lance it this week. He gave her Cipro (!!!) and some bacteria cream thing and said it was too soon to lance it, but it's been weeping pus and ugh for a day and a half now...my questions were definitely wanting to figure out more of the causative and preventative...if possible, although I do appreciate it (and know I did ask)...thanks

Ewwwww :11: I would have already lanced it - on me or her. I've done a couple of myself. Maybe it's easier with my cowboy background - too many things are.

 

[dlndavid]

get out the rawhide or bullet eh Don

 

[Diver Dennis]

David, don't they shoot them thar boil infected divers?

 

[gratefuljames]

Ewwwww :11: I would have already lanced it - on me or her. I've done a couple of myself. Maybe it's easier with my cowboy background - too many things are.

That's OK, but medically, "breaking it with a pin" or "lancing it yourself" or any of that stuff could result in a worse infection than you started with, and is not a recommended course of treatment.