MAIN Health Boils

Boils usually appear as red and swollen with a pus pocket visible at its center.

A boil is an infection that begins deep within the skin. A boil, also known as a skin abscess can become swollen and painful. Boils appear as a firm raised area on the skin. They often appear red and are sore. They may feel hard like a small lump or nodule.

Boils can appear on any part of the body but are often found on the back, face, shoulders and thighs. A boil fills with pus and when it is ready to drain a white or yellow point in the center of the boil will be visible.

Boils can be caused by an ingrown hair or a clogged sebaceous (sweat) gland. Boils are most often caused by a staph infection, or a bacteria known as staphylococcus which enters through a break in the skin. People with poor hygiene are also often prone to boils. People who suffer from certain health conditions such as diabetes, impaired immune system or malnutrition may also be susceptible.

Symptoms of a boil include redness around the affected site. The area is sore and tender and many contain slight swelling at the site of the boil. Some people experience itching of the skin before the boil actually appears. The boil remains painful until the pus is drained.

A boil may be treated by applying warm compresses to the area or soaking the affected area in warm water to encourage it to drain on its own. The warmth helps the body to fight infection and increases circulation. The warm water can also help to sooth the area and alleviate pain. To ensure against infection, boils may also be treated with over-the-counter antibiotic ointments like Bacitracin or Neosporin.

You should see your health care provider if the boil is large, doesn't drain on its own or seems to get worse. If redness or swelling increases seek medical attention. Prescription antibiotics may be needed for the infection. A boil may need to be lanced and drained. The physician will numb the site of the boil with a local anesthetic and make an incision in the boil so that it can be drained. The area is then covered with gauze and allowed to heal. Once it has been drained the area will become less painful. If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to finish all of the medication to prevent reoccurrence.


More information about boil treatment around the Web:

How to Treat a Boil - Mahalo guide with a collection of top Web resources on home treatments, over the counter remedies, and tips on boil prevention.

BoilOver! - Extensive guide for people with recurring boils including a helpful FAQ, home care and herbal remedies, lifestyle changes and topical treatments.

The Doctors Book of Home Remedies - Boils - Tips on home care, information on folk remedies and advice on when to see a doctor.

Turmeric and Other Remedies for Painful Boils - More remedies and homemade poultices from the kitchen cabinet.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.

also see -> Acne | Blackheads

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