Boils (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Boils Overview
- Causes of Boils
- Symptoms of Boils
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Boils Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Boils - Slideshow
- Viewer Comments: Boils - Effective Treatments
Causes of Boils
Boils are usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus (staph). Most staph infections develop into abscesses and can become serious very quickly. This germ can be present on normal skin and enters the body through tiny breaks in the skin or by traveling down a hair to the follicle.
Certain health problems make people more susceptible to skin infections such as boils. Examples are
- diabetes,
- problems with the immune system,
- poor nutrition,
- poor hygiene, and
- exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin.
Next: Symptoms of Boils »
Viewer Comments & Reviews
Boils - Effective Treatments
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
What kinds of treatments have been effective for your boils?
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