Boils

A boil, or furuncle, is an abscess (infection) of the skin or in the deep part hair follicles. The condition is usually caused by bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Occasionally the infection may spread into the surrounding tissues (cellulitis) and can cause fever and a feeling of being unwell. When several boils come close together and join, this is known as a carbuncle. 

The bacterial infection occasionally spread from one body part to another and from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact from clothing and towels, contaminated with pus from the boil.

Boils are common in teenagers and can affect boys more often than girls. Sufferers of boils do not usually have a problem with their immune system, but bumps can be more severe in patients with a suppressed immune system. Boils are more shown in patients with diabetes and those who are overweight.

Boils may be single or multiple. A boil often starts as an itchy or tender spot that grows over a few days into a large, firm red lump, which becomes very painful. Boils often develop around the neck, face, back, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. Boils inside the nose or ear, or under tight clothing can be incredibly uncomfortable. As the boil continues to grow, the center eventually softens and becomes filled with pus. The pus may then burst through the surface of the skin, or it may settle gradually without bursting. A healed boil tends to leave a red mark, which slowly fades, but can leave a scar.

Boils are usually easy to diagnose by their appearance. If a boil contains pus, the doctor may use a sterilized needle to take a sample of the pus, which can then be swabbed and sent to the laboratory to check which bacteria are causing the boil and which antibiotic treatment may be appropriate.

Yes, infections get better with treatment. S. aureus survives well in moist areas such as the nostrils, armpits, buttocks, and groin. Some people carry S. aureus at these sites on a long-term basis and are referred to as ‘carriers.’ This infection is not usually a problem; however, if repeated boils occur, it is wise to treat these areas (see below).

A warm salt-water soaked dressing applied to the boil for 10-20 minutes several times a day may encourage the drainage of pus to drain, which then helps reduce the pain. A single abscess usually gets better naturally, especially if the pus it contains discharges spontaneously. However, occasionally the doctor may release the pus by cutting carefully into the boil (lancing) using sterile instruments. An antibacterial cream, ointment, or solution can be used around the boil to stop other boils from appearing nearby. Often an antibiotic is given by mouth to help clear the infection.

• The doctor may prescribe a topical treatment such as antibacterial soap, solution, or cream to wash the skin. Sometimes an antibacterial nasal ointment is recommended to be applied into each nostril for 5-7 days. Family members may also have to use these treatments if they are found to be carriers.
• It often helps for family members to use antibacterial washes if they are in close contact and share the same bed.
• Change towels every day and do not share them with anybody else.
• Wash bed sheets at least weekly or at once if pus is discharged.
• Keep the house clean, especially the sink, shower, or bath.
• Pus contains bacteria, so avoid getting the pus from the boil onto other areas of the skin. If pus is discharged, wash the area around carefully with an antibacterial product and also clean the hands to avoid spreading the infection. You should seek medical advice if you are not sure of the diagnosis or if you feel unwell. You should also see the doctor if the problem persists or if you have recurring boils.

• Follow the measures outlined above to reduce the spread of boils.
• Bath or shower daily, and keep your hands and nails clean. Avoid picking any sores.
• Being overweight encourages boils as the bacteria survive in folds of the skin; in such cases, weight loss may help prevent a recurrence.
• If the boils are on exposed skin, avoid close contact with others and contact sports, such as rugby and judo, until the bumps have cleared to reduce the risk of passing the infection onto others.
• Do not visit a swimming pool or a gym until the boils have cleared up.