Boils

What are boils?

A boil (furuncle) is a pus-filled bump under the skin that may cause severe pain. Initially starting as small red bumps, boils become enlarged as they fill with pus. While they may appear anywhere on the skin, they mainly arise on hair-bearing areas prevalent to sweating and friction such as the face, back of neck, armpits, thighs, and buttocks. A connection of multiple boils to form one, a carbuncle, gives way to a larger, deeper, and more severely infected area. Your dermatologist would most likely be able to diagnose a boil just by looking at it.

What causes boils?

Boils originate due to the quickening buildup of pus caused by bacterial infection in hair follicles under the skin. As excessive amounts of pus fills the small bumps, more pain is experienced and the larger the growth becomes, eventually leading to its own rupture and drainage.

What are possible treatments?

● Incision and Drainage : The dermatologist creates an opening from the surface of the skin into the belly of the boil called incision to drain out the pus. If the affected area is deep, gauze may be packed to soak up and remove any remaining liquids.

● Antibiotics : May be prescribed to treat severe and recurrent infections.

What are things I can do?

● Don’t attempt to squeeze or drain : may spread infection to surrounding areas

● Prevent contamination : Wash cloth that has come in contact with the infected area and wash hands constantly to avoid spreading infection.

● Warm compresses : Applying slight heat to the infected area may allow for quicker a rupture and