Toxemia from pregnancy won’t cause boils decades later

Dear Dr. Gott: Fifty years ago, my sister developed toxemia while pregnant. Both she and the baby nearly died, but, thankfully, they are still with us.

From the poison in her body, she develops large boils. They primarily occur under her breasts and armpits but can pop out anywhere. They are incredibly painful, and she experiences relief only when the boils come to a head and bursts. Is there anything that will help her?

Dear Reader: Toxemia during pregnancy is caused by metabolic disturbances in the mother’s body. This results in pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure and fluid retention) and fully developed eclampsia (high blood pressure, edema, seizures and coma).

I doubt that your sister’s current problem is related to her pregnancy 50 years ago. Boils are usually caused by bacteria, the most common being staphylococcus. Bacteria thrive in dark, moist areas such as the underarm and breasts.

Boils generally develop under the skin, eventually forming a “head,” which can burst or be punctured to allow the pus to drain. The process can be quite painful, primarily due to the size of the boils, which are often quarter-sized or larger.

I urge your sister to speak to her physician and request a swab of the boil, which can be analyzed to determine the cause. In most cases, a course of antibiotics will solve the problem. It is also important to have good hygiene. Bathing with antibacterial soap daily and keeping the skin dry can prevent most outbreaks. Tell your sister to switch to an antibacterial soap and to dry thoroughly after bathing. She can also apply powder to infection-prone areas to ensure they stay clean and dry.

Give my answer to your sister and let me know what happens.

Dear Dr. Gott: Awhile ago, you received an irate, irrational letter from a self-proclaimed “consumer advocate” protesting your advice to an 88-year-old man to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm repaired.

Six months ago, I had the same procedure. Three months later, I had a hernia operation. I recovered with no complications. I was 89 at the time of both surgeries and just had my 90th birthday. I am in good health and enjoy life.

I look forward to reading your column every day. Keep up the good work.

Dear Reader: Since that particular column came out, I have received hundreds of letters similar to yours. It would appear this “consumer advocate” is not well liked by the consumers. Perhaps he or she should find another profession.

Thank you for writing and sharing your experience with me and my readers.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.