BoilsMedical Author:
Frederick B Gaupp, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Boils OverviewA boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. If the infection spreads to the deeper tissues of the skin, then it becomes an abscess.
Viewer Comments & ReviewsBoils - EffectsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Did you have any complications from your boils? Boils - Effective TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:What kinds of treatments have been effective for your boils? |
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Boils
Topic Overview
What are boils?
A boil is a red, swollen, painful bump under the skin. It often looks like an overgrown pimple. Boils are often caused by infected hair follicles. Bacteria from the infection form an abscess, or pocket of pus. A boil can become large and cause severe pain.
Boils most often happen where there is hair and rubbing. The face, neck, armpits, breasts, groin, and buttocks are common sites.
How do you treat a boil?
You can sometimes care for a boil at home.
- Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or open the boil. Squeezing can push the infection deeper into the skin.
- Gently wash the area with soap and water 2 times a day. Dry it well.
- Put warm, wet cloths on the boil for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. Do this as soon as you notice a boil. The heat and moisture can help the boil to open and drain, but it may take 5 to 7 days. A warm compress or waterproof heating pad placed over a damp towel may a...
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