Hillary Zinks was puzzled with the pain in her derrière for weeks, and even a quick inspection by her mom found nothing wrong. It wasn’t until she visited the emergency room that doctors discovered an abscess on her butt.
Talk about “a pain in the butt!”
As it turned out, the abscess was caused by her thong. The doctor informed her that it was lucky she sought medical attention “because this can kill you.”
A Tight Thong Created an Almost Lethal Abscess
Zinks revealed the details of her harrowing tale in a TikTok video titled, “How a THONG Sent Me to the Emergency Room.”
In the video, Zinks explained, “One day I was out of town and I noticed my butt started to hurt,” she said. “I had no idea why. On the plane ride home I couldn’t even sit straight, I kept moving like I had hemorrhoids or something.”
Zinks wanted to share her story to raise awareness of these infections and to encourage people to not ignore physical pain. She said, “When you have strange symptoms and you have no idea how they started, it’s a good idea to get it checked out.”
One thong caused a lot of damage because it was too tight on Zinks. She recalled the moment it happened, saying, “I pulled up my pants and also pulled my thong, and I pulled it a little too hard/high… I didn’t connect the incident to the thong until I went to the doctor and he asked me if I wore them. Then I remembered that moment.”
Read: These 11 Photos Of Women With Double Mastectomies Show What Life After Surgery Is Like
What is a Skin Abscess?
A skin abscess is a skin infection usually caused by bacteria, according to dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD. One of the primary features differentiating abscess from other skin infections is the collection of pus walled-off from surrounding tissues. It can become very inflamed with redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness at the site.
Thongs aren’t typical triggers for abscesses, but a too-tight thong can cause a small cut from friction that may become infected and result in an abscess. Those with diabetes and weakened immune systems are more susceptible to them. Additionally, any injury to the skin, like cuts, injections, abrasions, or fresh tattoos, is at risk of becoming infected.
Staphylococcus aureus strains, including MRSA, are common causes of abscess. Some people may be colonized with staph and develop recurrent abscesses. Abscesses in the groin and anorectal area are common, as the naturally warm and moist environment allows bacteria to grow.
Treatment can involve antibiotics and draining the abscess if necessary. The area should then be kept dry, clean, and bandaged.
How to Prevent a Skin Abscess
- Ensure your skin is overall clean, healthy, and free of bacteria
- Wash your hands regularly
- Avoid communal equipment, sauna, and pools until the abscess is fully healed
- Take care to avoid nicking yourself while shaving
- Don’t share toothbrushes or razors
Additionally, do not attempt to pinch the pus out of the abscess on your own. If any pus is leaking, wipe it away with a tissue and dispose of it immediately. Wash your hands right after.
“Get Checked!”
Zinks’s video urged people to get checked if they have new symptoms they can’t explain, as it may save their lives. Abscesses are common, yet are often not openly discussed. Zinks felt compelled to share her experience in order to raise awareness and help others. She was surprised by the number of people who could relate to her situation and hopes her story encourages others to seek medical attention if needed.
Keep Reading: Mom And Mother-In-Law Disagree Over Buying 12-Year-Old A Thong
- Hillary Zinks. TikTok.
- “This Woman Ended Up With an Abscess on Her Butt Thanks to Her Too-Tight Thong—But What Is That, Exactly?” Claire Gillespie. Health. October 29, 2020
- “Overview: Abscess.” NHS. November 4, 2019
