What’s a Boil?
Boils are a common skin infection that are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus, more commonly known as staph. The germ can enter the body through a hair follicle or tiny breaks in the skin caused by shaving, ingrown hairs and various cuts or scrapes. A boil usually begins as a red area and develops a tender lump. A boil may develop a white pocket of pus after seven days. Boils are contagious through skin-to-skin contact and should be covered with a bandage to prevent spreading.
Boils most commonly appear on the face, armpits, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. Symptoms of an advanced infection include swollen skin around the boil, fever, swollen lymph nodes near the infection and the appearance of more boils. Boils can be avoided by cleaning minor skin wounds, keeping a healthy immune system and practicing good personal hygiene. Intravenous drug use can occasionally cause boils, as well as Type 2 Diabetes and exposure to harsh chemicals.
Seek medical care for a boil if a fever develops, pain becomes severe or the boil does not drain. Also seek medical care if you have a suppressed immune system, diabetes, or a heart murmur.
