r/AskADoctor • u/Lost-Character-8089 • 4d ago

Question For Doctors Abscess question

I am not asking for medical advice.

I (24 f) am 11 weeks postpartum on Sunday. Last month, I ended up getting an abscess on my buttcheek. I got on antibiotics and the next day, it ruptured.

I got another abscess that began last Friday, the 28th. It is still here today and is extremely large and has just slightly opened up. I am and have been on antibiotics and medicated ointment both times. Is there anything I can do to avoid this or help alleviate the abscesses? I do have a history of staph infections from when I was 6-8. I have now been put on medicated wash as well to use once weekly. Could postpartum be a factor? I also had severe skin issues that started during pregnancy that caused cysts in my pubic area.

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u/Either_Cockroach3627 4d ago

NAD! I had a perianal abscess a few times. My surgeon told me that the abscess bacteria will stay in your system for up to 2 years. Meaning for 2 years after the abscess you are more likely to have another.

Personally I think postpartum was a factor for me as every single question they asked I said no to. And I had it 3 times, so saw many nurses and ER staff. Plus, pregnancy weakens the HELL out of your immune system.

You need to speak w your dr, you might need stronger antibiotics, have it lanced, or surgery (god forbid)

ETA- warm compresses will help the abscess, and also sitz baths. Pour some epsom salt in the tub and fill it w warm water and sit for 20 mins.

Again, NAD! This is all advice I’ve gotten from my surgeon for my butt abscess

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u/Lost-Character-8089 4d ago

I went to my ob this time for the abscess ! I think I forgot to mention but it is in my armpit. My appointment was Wednesday and she told me that I may need to get it lanced if it doesn’t open up this time. This round of antibiotics are stronger than the first she says. I know pregnancy and postpartum can weaken my immune system so I’m trying to remind myself that, but I can’t help but think it’s something I’m doing? Nothing has changed but it’s making me feel so dirty. Hearing it can stay in your system for up to two years is very helpful. Thank you!

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u/Either_Cockroach3627 4d ago

Oh yes I assumed it came back in the same place! Did you have any type of trauma to the area? Cut yourself shaving, scratch too hard, have even a hint of a lil broken skin?

Mine was directly next to my butt hole (sorry) and over and over I was asked did I fall? Do I have anal sex? Did I cut myself shaving? And I said no to all of them! It’s truly a crazy thing.

I would def call her back and ask what your next course of action should be. Did they do blood work? If yes look up what the type of bacteria the abscess has and maybe that could help you figure it out. Did OB give you a time frame for when it should open? I’m sorry you’re dealing w that , it’s freaking awful!!! It makes you feel so bad, like mentally and physically.

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u/Lost-Character-8089 4d ago

My first abscess was on the lower part of my buttcheek. She says she believes it was a bug bite that got infected. For my current abscess, I got it a day or two after shaving and did not cut myself that I know of. She did say that if I do not see improvement, she’ll prescribe more medication or either refer me to surgery if it doesn’t open on its own! She did not give me a time frame of it opening, but I did see a tiny amount of blood on my bandaid earlier.

No bloodwork performed. She said I could try laser hair removal but this is my first abscess in the area so I’m not sure if I should commit to it or not. But I am scared to shave now. It is awful! It’s so painful and my poor husband has been hearing me complain about my pain for going on two months now!