Having 4 boils on my legs during first trimester

Hello Julllian,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community with your concern if the boils will cause any birth defects in your unborn child, and how to prevent boils.

Is your obstetrician aware of them? Did you drain them yourself?

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.

The most common places for boils to appear are on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, and buttocks. . Hairy, sweaty areas are typical sites, as well as areas of friction, such as the inner thighs.

Most boils are caused by a germ (staphylococcal bacteria). This germ enters the body through tiny nicks or cuts in the skin or can travel down the hair to the follicle.

Julllian, since the boils come back, please speak to your physician about this. I do not think the boils will cause any birth defects, but do check with your obstetrician. I am concerned about why they keep coming back despite good hygiene.

For some people, boils are a recurring problem. In addition to standard treatment, your doctor may try to eliminate or reduce staph bacteria throughout the body. This can include washing up with a special antiseptic soap, using an antibiotic ointment inside the nose, or 1-2 months of antibiotics by mouth, or all three. This presents a problem, since you are pregnant.

Basic ways to prevent boils is:
Hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Careful cleaning of cuts, scrapes, and other wounds
Keeping wounds covered
Not sharing towels, sheets, razors, etc.

Regards,
Maryann