
A boil is a skin infection that is caused by bacteria, usually Staphylococcus. Symptoms of boils include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and red, painful, and swollen skin. A boil may be treated with warm compresses and soaking the boil in warm water. The boil should be washed with antibacterial soap once it starts draining.
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Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, flouroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem due to the overprescription of antibiotics to individuals. Allergic reactions to antibiotics commonly have the following symptoms shortness of breath, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, and fainting. -
Are Boils Contagious
Active boils are contagious because the Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that cause them is contagious. The infection that causes boils can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sharing objects. -
Boil vs Pimple
What is the difference between a boil and a pimple? Learn about boil vs. pimple symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment, and prevention. -
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 not recommended as a treatment method for abscesses (or boils) because they can cause further injury. -
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is a type of bacteria that causes infection (often called a "staph infection"). Staphylococcus can cause infections in almost any organ system in the body. Symptoms of visible staph infections are a redness, swelling, tenderness, pus or crusty covering at the site of infection. Bacterial culture is used to test for staph infection. Treatment may involve surgery and/or antibiotics. -
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 hygiene, stress, hormonal changes, and Blepharitis, rosacea, and meibomitis may cause styes. Symptoms include a lump on the eyelid, swelling, pain, redness, tenderness, blurred vision, pus, and a scratchy sensation on the eyeball. Treatment may involve warm compresses, scrubbing the eyelid with a mild soap, and discontinuing wearing contact lenses and eye makeup.
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Are Boils Contagious? Active boils are contagious because the Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria that cause them is contagious. The infection that causes boils can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact or sharing objects.
Boils Topic Guide - Visuals
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