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Latest A1c Test Articles Q: Are People with Diabetes Prone to
Skin Boils? I have type 1 diabetes. I would like to know why I
suffer from so many boils in my groin area. - - - - - A: Boils
are acute, tender, firm, inflammatory nodules in the skin caused
by bacterial infection-usually from a staph organism. When
superficial, they are a form of folliculitis and when deep in
the skin they are called boils or furuncles. People with
diabetes are especially prone to bacterial and fungal infection
because of decreased cellular immunity from acute or chronic
high blood sugars. The groin area is especially prone to these
infections and they can be chronic and recurrent. Perspiration,
rubbing, chafing and local factors, especially hygiene, are very
important. Using an antibacterial soap with frequent cleansing
and subsequent drying of the area is indicated. One should avoid
synthetic garments, u