Boils are painful, pus-filled inflammations of the skin. They can range in size from a pea to a walnut. Although boils may be found anywhere on the body, they most commonly occur in areas where there is hair and friction, such as the neck, armpits, genitals, breasts, face, and buttocks.
Carbuncles are extremely large boils or a series of boils, usually deeper and more painful than regular boils. Always check with a doctor if you suspect a carbuncle, because the infection can get into your bloodstream and you may need antibiotics.
Causes
A boil develops when bacteria invade a hair follicle. Skin tissue swells, and a tender, red, pus-filled lump emerges. The pus contains white blood cells fighting the infection. Until the boil opens and the pus is released, the boil will be painful and tender to the touch.
Self-Care Steps for Boils
Wash hands with antibacterial soap before and after touching a boil with crust or pus around it.
Wash area gently with antibacterial soap three to four times a day.
Apply warm compresses three to four times a day for 15 minutes to relieve pain and bring the boil to a head.
Cover the boil with thick, absorbent gauze and keep dry.
Avoid scratching the boil because it can spread infection.
Do not squeeze or lance the boil. If the boil opens, carefully squeeze out the pus.
Take a pain reliever to reduce pain and inflammation.
Avoid using over-the-counter antibiotic creams or ointments unless your doctor tells you to.
Your doctor may lance the boil by making a small incision with a surgical blade so that the pus can drain. Never attempt to lance a boil yourself without approval from your doctor.
Decision Guide for Boils Symptoms/Signs
Action
Mild tenderness, redness, and swelling or itching
Use self-care
Boil not forming a head or improving after 3 days of self-care
Call provider's office
Extremely painful or pus-filled boil, or pain that interferes with activity
See provider
Boil on face, over the spine, or rectal area
See provider
Fever of 101F or higher, or red streaks leading away from boil
See doctor
Frequent boils
See doctor
2006-06-28 13:32:26
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answer #1
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answered by purple 6
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A boil (furuncle) is a red, swollen, painful bump under the skin caused by an infected hair follicle. Bacteria from the infection forms a pocket of pus (abscess), which can become large and cause severe pain.
Boils occur most often on the face, neck, breasts, buttocks, in the groin area, and in the armpits. Depending on their size and location, many boils can be treated at home with warm compresses and by keeping the skin over the boil clean when it opens and drains. A health professional may need to treat large boils and boils on the face or near the spine or anal area to avoid more serious infections.
2006-06-28 14:15:17
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answer #2
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answered by CherrieMartini69 2
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Where Do Boils Come From
2016-09-28 01:34:04
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answer #3
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answered by ? 4
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How Do Boils Form
2016-12-11 12:25:31
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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They are not pimples, caused by oil, the sun or by a virus. They are a skin infection caused by a staph infection. Hot packs may help them come to a head and drain but generally speaking someone with boils should also be on a course of antibiotics.
2006-06-28 12:30:41
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answer #5
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answered by Tulip 7
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Boils are a virus, if you get one you will be getting more, nothing I know of will cure them, apply the hottest pack you can stand on the boil and it will come to a head. They're a pain in the neck, I get them also, we just have to deal with them when they decide to show up.
2006-06-28 12:27:11
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answer #6
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answered by saharalady94@sbcglobal.net 1
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Boils are basically abnormally large pimples under the skin, and they are a sign of low immunity. They may be caused by poor hygiene, malnutrition, or stress. If you have them you should talk to a doctor about it.
2006-06-28 12:30:22
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Boils are supposed to be pretty painful because they are usually quite big, hard, and red. They are a form of ance/pimples, which are caused by oily skin and being out in the heat for too long.
2006-06-28 12:25:14
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answer #8
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answered by miss_gem_01 6
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Boils are staphlococcus infections.
2006-06-28 12:26:07
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answer #9
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answered by Gone fishin' 7
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2016-04-10 03:48:28
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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