Boils are painful, reddish bumps caused by infections deep in the skin. They can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, cystic acne, ingrown hairs, or skin punctures. Applying warm compresses can help draw the bump to a head, but pricking the lesion before a head forms can slow down the healing process. Some types of boils may require medical attention, especially for people with compromised immune systems or those experiencing a fever.
Boils, or skin abscesses, are large, painful, reddish bumps resulting from infections deep in the skin.
A boil usually starts as a tender area that hardens and swells up resembling a “blind pimple.” It may develop slowly but eventually the center will soften and develop a “head”. The head is filled with bacteria, protein, and the buildup of white blood cells sent to fight infection, otherwise known as pus. When the boil reaches its final stage, it can be lanced off or it can drain spontaneously. Applied warm compresses will aid this process, as the heat draws in more blood to fight the infection.
There are several types of boils, including boils or carbuncles, which are caused by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus. This type of lesion, which can have multiple openings in the skin, is sometimes accompanied by fever or chills. Another common type is caused by cystic acne. These abscesses form due to blocked or infected oil ducts. Cystic acne affects deeper skin tissues than common acne and is often associated with adolescence.
Boils can also form due to an ingrown hair or at the site of any skin puncture such as a splinter or cut that can become infected. In most cases, applying moist heat packs will help draw the bump to a head, but pricking the lesion before a head forms will not relieve the tenderness or aid healing. In fact, it can have the opposite effect and slow down the healing process.
Certain types of cortisone medications such as prednisone can suppress the immune system, increasing the chance of boils, and people with compromised immune systems may also be more prone to developing boils.
It may happen, especially with larger lesions, that several pockets of pus need to be punched and drained. In this case, seeing a healthcare professional might be best. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed, however medications are not always necessary.
A less common but well-known type of furuncle that may require medical attention is hidradenitis suppurativa, characterized by multiple abscesses in the armpits or groin area due to inflammation of the sweat glands. These lesions can be difficult to treat and may require a surgical procedure in which the affected sweat glands would be removed.
While most boils can be treated at home, it is recommended that people with compromised immune systems or who experience a fever along with the lesion contact a doctor as a precaution. Allergic reactions to medications or bee stings can also result in red welts that can look like boils. The spontaneous appearance of a bruising rash should be checked by a doctor. Hives are distinguished by the itching that accompanies the bruises.
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