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Anonymous (San Francisco, CA) on 06/28/2009
5 out of 5 stars

I first discovered Earth Clinic because of a developing condition with boils in the groin area - very embarrassing. They always occur in the same spot at the inner thigh and the panty line. It started about 3 years ago and I had no idea how or what they were until I began to do research. At first, they were smaller and would go through the process and burst naturally. Initially, they would cause pain while walking and I could not exercise - but for the most part, I could operate normally. I began to take the Tumeric and for about 6 mo to a year they stopped developing - I was ecstatic. If I did get one, it would always occur around my menstrual cycle and I could always "nip it in the bud" with Tumeric. Recently, we traveled for a couple days to a very hot area and right after we got back, I started developing one (of course in the same spot). I began to immediately take the Tumeric pills after every meal. It did not seem to help - the boil got so big, that I could barely walk and had to take time off from work - this has never happened. It is so embarrassing that you cannot explain it to anyone - on top of the physical condition. I continued to take the Tumeric and refused to go to the hospital - I knew they would lance it (very painful) and I wasn't ready to do it yet b/c boils have a natural life cycle. Finally, after 4 days of progressively worse pain in which I could not get out of bed (at the end), the boil came to a head. I did begin to drink 1 teaspoon/hot water Tumeric tea at least a couple of times. I usually take the pills straight but was desperate. The flavor wasn't that bad and you can always add honey or whatever you like - it has an earthy taste. I tried to encourage relief by using hot compresses also (which I think worked) and it finally burst. I will continue to take the Tumeric religiously and not get off of it. This was the most painful and debilitating situation to this point and I just wanted to share my experience w/ others. I hope one day there is a simple cure for such an embarrassing and painful condition.
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Replied By Roxy (Atlanta, GA) on 07/01/2009

It is good to see someone with my exact issue. For a minute I thought I was the only one in the universe with this problem. I have the same experience once a month with my menstrual cycle. I've been dealing with it since I was in my teens. I'm 25. I always know when my cycle is coming because I develop boils filled with red stuff and it is so painful. I literally cried for like an hour last nite because it is so unbecoming to have to deal with this every month.

I've been to the dermatologist and was given bactroban for topical treatment and some horrible smelling antibiotic to take. The combination slowed down the boil process but did not eliminate them.

I came to the earth clinic last week and found Turmeric. Ive taken it and it reduced the soreness and swelling of the boil. I am hoping and praying that this is the answer to my prayers. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

Does anyone know if the draining fluid from the boil is contagious after it burst?

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Replied By Cindy (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 07/04/2009

The condition you have is called hendritis sepertiva I'm not sure if I spelled it correctly. It also goes by the name acne inversa. I try antibacterial soap. Dry off really good after the shower. I then apply bacatracin ointment. Ater the skin is dry I apply a antibacterial powder. I know this isn't the most natural way, but it helps a little. This condition was the reason I was looking up this web site. I also found that when I lost some weight that it wasn't so severe. I read somewhere that neem extract helps and I got a bottle of it, but it don't smell to good. It always seems to be the worst before the monthly cycle starts so I'm beginning to think it has to do with hormones. Any ideas!!!!

EC: Lots of ideas on the hidradenitis suppurativa remedy page!

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Replied By Bgirl (Gainesville, Fl) on 08/29/2009

Roxy,

My understanding is that the fluid that drains is contagious. I would do a good job of cleaning the site so that it does not spread.

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Replied By Lita (Sanford, Fl) on 09/18/2009

Thank you Cindy from Minneapolis, I've had this condition you gals are describing for years and never knew what is was. Very informative. Thanks!!
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Replied By Sharik (Arcata, California) on 10/19/2009

On the subject of boils; yes they are very contagious. I use the alcohol swabs found in the diabetic department of your pharmacy to clean the area before applying any and all cures. Store brands are very inexpensive ($2.95 for 120) and I can clean my hands, as well. Over the years I've found that when my immune system is compromised, I'll get a boil (stress, illness, toxicity). Turmeric is the only thing I have found to be consistent in keeping them at bay. As I am 67, they no longer occur 'monthly', thank the Universe, but I still get them occasionally. I then look for the source of the 'stress' I'm in and repair that, too.

Thanks for the wonderful site. It truly is a lifesaver.

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Replied By Anon. (Boston, Mass.) on 03/25/2010

I think I have the answer about menstrual cycles and infections. Right before the cycle, the immunity of the female plunges in order to accommodate any fertilized eggs, to allow the embryo to latch on. The embryo would have half of the father's DNA, so the female body might mistake it for a foreign object and her immune system might attack it. It's Nature's way of ensuring that pregnancies are more likely to happen.
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Replied By Sue-z (Appleton, Wi Usa) on 06/01/2010

Hi all...The name for this "plague of boils" is Hidradenitis Suppurativa. I have had it for nearly 40 years. It is not contagious, and it can be hereditary. There is no cure. I too used to have horrible flareups before my period, but since menopause, they have subsided substantially. I still have a few stubborn ones in my groin area and have found that using a baby ointment with zinc will calm them - it doesn't make them go away, but makes them less painful. I have scares all over the insides of my thighs and under my breasts from past (and sometimes recurring) boils. Being overweight can be a contributing factor. I am overweight, but exercising causes more boils - it's a catch 22.

After reading these posts, I am encouraged that turmeric might just be what I need to get rid of the remaining active culprits along my pantie line for good. I am certainly going to give all your suggestions a try.

Thank you for sharing your insights. This site is wonderful!

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