Q: I am constantly getting boils below the end of my spine and at the start of my buttocks. The boils keeps coming and often burst on their own and I notice blood and pus. I consulted a doctor who gave me antibiotics for five days. During the course the boils went off completely but recurred on stopping drugs. I have undergone tests like blood and urine test which are normal as is my blood pressure. The doctor says that I have to be operated to know the cause for this recurrence but I am reluctant to undergo an operation. Please advise.

A:You have a fistula-in-ano or a pilonidal sinus. Both these conditions occur because of continuous discharge of pus from a deeper source. Operative treatment is usually required. Please consult a surgeon.