A boil, also referred to as a skin abscess, is a localized infection deep in the skin. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the blood stream to eradicate the infection. This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is known as pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.
There are several different types of boils. Among these are:
Furuncle or carbuncle: This is an abscess in the skin caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. A furuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills.
Cystic acne: This is a type of abscess that is formed when oil ducts become clogged and infected. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissue that the more superficial inflammation from common acne. Cystic acne is most common on the face and typically occurs in the teenage years.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is a condition in which there are multiple abscesses that form under the arm pits and often in the groin area. These areas are a result of local inflammation of the sweat glands. This form of skin infection is difficult to treat with antibiotics alone and typically requires a surgical procedure to remove the involved sweat glands in order to stop the skin inflammation.
Pilonidal cyst: This is a unique kind of abscess that occurs in the crease of the buttocks. Pilonidal cysts often begin as tiny areas of infection in the base of the area of skin from which hair grows (the hair follicle). With irritation from direct pressure over time the inflamed area enlarges to become a firm, painful, tender nodule making it difficult to sit without discomfort. These frequently form after long trips that involve prolonged sitting.
Why do boils occur?
There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Others can form as the result of a splinter or other foreign material that has become lodged in the skin. Others boils, such as those of acne, are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected.
The skin is an essential part of our immune defense against materials and microbes that are foreign to our body. Any break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape, can develop into an abscess should it then become infected with bacteria.
When should I seek medical attention?
Any boil or abscess in a patient with diabetes or a patient with an underlying illness that can be associated with a weakened immune system (such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) should be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner. Additionally, many medicines, especially prednisone, that suppress the immune system (the natural infection-fighting system of the body) can complicate what would be an otherwise simple boil. Patients who are on such medications should consult their healthcare practitioner if they develop boils. (If you are not sure about your medications' effects on the immune system, your pharmacist may be able to explain to you which medicines to be concerned about.)
Any boil that is associated with a fever should receive medical attention. A "pilonidal cyst," a boil that occurs between the buttocks, is a special case. These almost always require medical treatment including drainage and packing (putting gauze in the opened abscess to assure it continues to drain). Finally, any painful boil that is not rapidly improving should be seen by the healthcare practitioner.
2007-03-21 20:45:45
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answer #1
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answered by }{PurpleLipz}{ 3
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2016-09-13 20:17:18
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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2016-12-20 20:12:45
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answer #3
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Hi Chili, It's because you have an infection and the drainage is foul smelling because of that. When it bursts you feel a relief from all the pressure that had build up. A Friend.
Clowmy
2007-03-21 20:50:58
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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No, the baby did not die inside of you... that is a horrible thing to think. Everything is normal, just relax. I am 27 weeks and I have the "feel like I'm gonna faint" spells ALL the time. It's either low blood sugar or low blood pressure, both common, especialy in pregnancy. The only thing you can do for it is to sit down and eat and drink something. My pregnancy symptoms (the ones I had in the very beginning) come and go still as well. I have nauseous days where I puke all day and I have some good days, and yours will continue like that until you have the baby... it's just part of being pregnant. So chill out, relax, everything is fine & normal, you are just pregnant :) p.s. get the foul smell checked out by your doc at your next visit. I'd be willing to bet it's either BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) or a yeast infection. Both are common in pregnancy and both are treatable!!
2016-03-12 21:26:08
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answer #5
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answered by ? 4
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Boil Drainage
2016-09-28 03:04:45
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answer #6
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People are probably gonna think I'm very stupid but this is what works for me. So, I did this a few months ago because I'm not the smartest. Keep that in mind. Acne is caused by bacteria growing in and under your skin right? So I absolutely thought that if Hand Sanitizer killed bacteria, why can't it kill it on my face? Andddd that lead to me putting some small amounts of hand sanitizer in my T-zone and other practical places.I do this about 2-3 times a day and that works really great for me. No more acne.
Another thing I do is, if I'm in a melt-down situation, I grab a piece of ice and rub that all over the acne for 1-2 minutes. (Or until it's completely melted.)
I also use this Carrot exfoliating face wash with beads in it. It smells weird to me but great to others. And leaves your face really soft.
Yes.....very stupid tricks but hey....it works for me
2016-02-13 20:53:17
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answer #7
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Make sure the keep the area clean when it does burst, especially if it is in a high friction zone ( Thighs, fat rolls, arm pits) This can cause it to get infected and cause even more pain as it tries to heal. Keep it clean and wrapped or bandaged, and make sure if you have continual drainage to change the bandages frequently so to keep the area dry and clean.
2014-02-24 08:40:43
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answer #8
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answered by Whitney Austin 1
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Get Ovarian Cyst Miracle!
2016-08-01 14:16:24
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answer #9
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2017-02-09 05:29:26
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