Boils

Boils are common, but usually minor, skin problems. Most often, they occur in areas where the skin becomes chaffed and where there are hair follicles. This includes the neck, buttocks, armpits, and genitals. A boil can range in size from that of a pea to a ping pong ball.

Signs & Symptoms

Warts

Causes

Boils are caused when a hair follicle or oil gland becomes infected with staph bacteria. Boils can be very contagious. Risk factors that make them more likely to occur include:

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• Poor hygiene.

• Overuse of corticosteroid medicine.

• Diabetes.

• Short, curly hair that has a tendency to grow back down into the skin.

Treatment

Self-care treats boils. If this is not enough, your doctor may need to lance and drain the boil and prescribe an antibiotic.

Questions to Ask

Question 1

With a boil, do you have any of these problems?

• Fever.

• Red streaks on the skin near the boil.

• Pain that limits normal activity.

• Diabetes.

You should be seen by your doctor for medical advice. Contact your doctor or health care provider to find out how soon you should be seen.

Question 2

Do any of these problems occur?

• Many boils don’t drain or heal.

• A boil is on the spine, lip, nose, ear, or eye.

• A boil is on the genitals, pelvis, hand, foot, or face.

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Question 3

Did boils occur after taking antibiotics?

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Question 4

After using self-care for 3 or more days, do any of these problems occur?

• A boil grows larger.

• New boils occur.

• You get no relief from self-care.

Call your doctor or health care provider and state the problem. He or she can decide what you should do.

Use Self-Care / Prevention:

You can probably take care of the problem yourself if you answered NO to all the questions. Use the “Self-Care” measures that are listed. Call your doctor if you don’t feel better soon, though. You may have some other problem.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Don’t scratch, squeeze, or lance boils.

• Put a hot water bottle over a damp washcloth and place it on the boil.

• Soak in a warm tub. Use an antibacterial soap. If boil is ready to burst open, take warm showers instead.

• Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain and swelling as directed.

• Wash your hands after contact with a boil. Keep clothing and other items that were in contact with the boil away from others.

• Once the boil begins to drain, keep it dry and clean. Loosely cover the boil with a sterile gauze dressing. Use first-aid tape to keep it in place. Replace the dressing if it gets moist.

• Wash bed linens, towels, and clothing in hot water. Do not share towels, sports equipment, etc.

• Don’t wear tight-fitting clothes over a boil.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

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