I've got this boil near my groin, right over the left thigh, and it's been bothering me for about 56 days now. A couple of days ago, I noticed it turned into this red and soft spot, about 0.3 by 0.3 cm in size, surrounded by a hard area measuring 4 by 2 cm. It really started to hurt a couple of days back, so I consulted a surgeon. He suggested I take cefixime and diclofenac tablets, along with using SU-MAG ointment for dressing. The next day, I applied a good amount of SU-MAG and dressed the boil, and by the end of the day, the pain was gone. But now, the boil has an opening. I'm a bit unsure about what to do next. Should I keep using the SU-MAG dressing even though the boil is open, or should I stop? Or maybe switch to Betadine dressing? Is it better to go back to the surgeon for further drainage? I'd really appreciate any advice you could give!

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

MBBS
3+ Yrs

Consult Now

You should now switch to Betadine dressing to help prevent infection and promote healing of the open wound. Betadine is an antiseptic solution that can be applied to the affected area. Make sure to clean the area gently before applying the Betadine dressing. If you experience any worsening symptoms or signs of infection, it would be advisable to consult the surgeon again for further evaluation and management.

Answered 04/07/2025

More General Surgery Health Queries

View all

I have an 11 mm supra umbilical hernia and need to decide between laparoscopic surgery with 2 ports and a 10-15 mm incision or open surgery. Both seem to have similar pain levels post-op. From a medical standpoint, which option would be better for me?

For an 11 mm supraumbilical hernia, laparoscopic surgery with two ports and a 10-15 mm incision is generally considered the better option from a medical standpoint. While both approaches can result in similar post-operative pain levels, laparoscopic repair typically leads to a faster recovery, a lower risk of complications, and potentially better cosmetic outcomes

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've had this pricking pain near my belly button for about 6 months now, and it gets worse when I cough. My scan showed an umbilical hernia - should I be worried? Do I need surgery for this or are there medicines that can help? Really confused about what treatment would be best for my case.

An umbilical hernia, while often not serious, can cause discomfort and may require surgery, depending on the severity and your individual circumstances. While medications cannot cure a hernia, they can help manage pain. Your doctor can best assess your situation and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your case

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors