What is a Boil?
A boil (furuncle) is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more hair follicles.
Common Symptoms
- Red, tender lump starting small and growing larger
- White or yellow center (pus-filled)
- Warm to touch
- Size ranging from pea-sized to golf ball-sized
- Surrounding skin redness (cellulitis)
Common Locations
- Neck and face
- Armpits
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Groin area
Risk Factors
- Poor hygiene
- Diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Close contact with someone who has boils
- Damaged or broken skin
- Obesity
Treatment Options
Home Care
- Warm compresses (3-4 times daily)
- Keep area clean
- Don't squeeze or pop the boil
- Cover with sterile bandage
Medical Treatment
- Incision and drainage (for larger boils)
- Antibiotics (if needed)
- Culture of the infection
- Treatment of underlying conditions
When to Seek Medical Care
- Fever develops
- Boil is extremely painful
- Boil hasn't healed after 2 weeks
- Multiple boils appear
- Boil is on your face or spine
- You have diabetes or immune system problems
Prevention
- Good hygiene practices
- Regular handwashing
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean
- Don't share personal items
- Boost immune system health
Complications
If left untreated, boils can lead to:
- Scarring
- Deep tissue infection
- Sepsis (rare)
- MRSA infection
- Spread to other areas
Recovery
Most boils heal within 1-3 weeks with proper care. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully for optimal healing.