About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 18, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Boils (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

When to Seek Medical Care

  • You have a boil and start running a fever.


  • The skin around the boil turns red or red streaks appear.


  • The pain becomes severe.


  • The boil does not drain.


  • A second boil appears.


  • You have a heart murmur, diabetes, any problem with your immune system, or are taking medications that suppress the immune system (for example, corticosteroids or chemotherapy for cancer) and you develop a boil.


  • Boils usually do not require immediate emergency attention. If you are in poor health and you develop high fever and chills along with the infection, a trip to a hospital's emergency department is needed.

Must Read Articles Related to Boils

Abscess
Abscess An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are...learn more >>
Sty (Stye)
Sty A stye (sty) is an infection of the eyelid, resulting from a blocked oil gland. Seborrhea, improper eye makeup removal, use of infected cosmetics, poor eyelid h...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Boils - Effects

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Did you have any complications from your boils?

Boils - Effective Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What kinds of treatments have been effective for your boils?

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Oral Cutaneous Fistula »

A fistula is an abnormal pathway between 2 anatomic spaces or a pathway that leads from an internal cavity or organ to the surface of the body.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies