Skin Conditions: Boils

Boils are a common skin condition, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. While pretty much everyone gets a boil at some time or another, some people experience frequent and recurrent infections. Not only are boils unsightly, they are also painful and can lead to other health problems.

Causes

• Boils are skin infections that begin in a hair follicle or oil gland. They are caused by staphylococcal bacteria entering the body through tiny cuts or the hair follicle. People with diabetes, immune system deficiencies, poor nutrition or hygiene and those who are frequently exposed to harsh, skin irritating chemicals are more susceptible to boils. You can prevent boils by practicing good hygiene and health care. Clean and treat all skin wounds and practice good personal hygiene and healthy eating. Wash the clothes, bed linen and towels of a person that has a boil as well as the bathtub or shower after use. Additionally, wash your hands after touching a boil.

Symptoms

• In the early stages, symptoms of boils include redness at the site of the infection and a hard, painful lump. The lump is usually less than an inch in size but can be as large as a golf ball. The lump becomes larger, softer and more painful as time progress. Within four to seven days, the lump begins to fill with pus and dead skin, causing it to turn white. Boils can occur anywhere there is hair on the body. However, they most commonly occur on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, thighs and buttocks. When a boil forms on the eyelid, it is called a sty.

Home Treatment

• Typically, a boil does not require medical attention. You can treat your boil at home by soaking in warm water and using warm compresses. The heat will decrease the pain and cause the boil to come to a head. A boil will typically burst within 10 days after the initial appearance. Wash the area with antibacterial soap once the boil bursts and all the pus drains. Apply medicated ointment and bandage the area repeatedly until the area heals. Do not squeeze, pick or attempt to lance a boil on your own as this can lead to infection and additional boils.

When to Seek Treatment

• While most boils heal on their own, some require medical treatment. Seek medical treatment for a boil if you develop a fever; the skin around the boil becomes red; the pain becomes severe; the boil does not drain after two weeks or returns; additional boils appear; you suffer from other illnesses including a heart murmur, diabetes, problems with your immune system; or if you are using immune suppressing drugs. Additionally, seek treatment for boils on the spine, in the middle of the face or on in the nose as well as boils that occur on children or elderly people.