What causes boils to form on the skin. How can you identify the symptoms of a boil. What are the most effective treatments for boils. When should you seek medical attention for a boil.

What Are Boils and How Do They Form?

Boils, also known as furuncles, are localized skin infections that develop in hair follicles and surrounding tissue. They occur when bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus, enter through small breaks in the skin and infect a hair follicle. As the infection progresses, the area becomes inflamed and fills with pus, forming a painful, swollen bump.

The hair follicle plays a crucial role in boil formation. Each follicle contains sensory nerve fibers that wrap around the hair bulb, allowing us to feel when hair moves. Sebaceous glands near the follicle produce oil to condition the hair and skin. When bacteria breach these structures, it can lead to infection.

Common Locations for Boils

While boils can occur anywhere on the body with hair follicles, they most frequently appear on:

• Face
• Neck
• Armpits
• Buttocks
• Thighs

What Causes Boils to Develop?

The primary cause of boils is bacterial infection, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common culprit. However, other factors can contribute to their development:

• Damaged hair follicles: Injuries or irritation to follicles can create entry points for bacteria
• Poor hygiene: Inadequate cleansing can allow bacteria to proliferate
• Weakened immune system: Certain medical conditions or medications can make individuals more susceptible to infections
• Tight clothing: Friction and trapped moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth
• Close contact with infected individuals: Boils can sometimes spread through skin-to-skin contact

Is there a genetic component to boil susceptibility? While not definitively proven, some research suggests that certain genetic factors may increase one’s likelihood of developing recurrent boils. This could be related to variations in immune function or skin barrier properties.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Boil

Identifying a boil early can help expedite treatment and prevent complications. The typical progression of symptoms includes:

1. Initial tenderness and redness in a small area of skin
2. Development of a firm, pinkish-red bump
3. Gradual increase in size, often reaching the dimensions of a pea or larger
4. Formation of a white or yellow center (pustule) as pus accumulates
5. Increasing pain and swelling
6. Possible spontaneous rupture and drainage

Are there any systemic symptoms associated with boils? In some cases, particularly with larger or multiple boils, individuals may experience:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• General malaise
• Itching in the affected area prior to boil development

Diagnosing Boils: When to Seek Medical Attention

While many boils can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional medical evaluation. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

• The boil is located on your spine or in the middle of your face
• You develop a fever or other systemic symptoms
• The boil is extremely painful or interferes with daily activities
• The infection persists for more than two weeks
• You experience recurrent boils
• You have a weakened immune system or other underlying health conditions

How do healthcare providers diagnose boils? In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient for diagnosis. However, if there are concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria or other complications, your doctor may take a sample of the pus for laboratory culture and analysis.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Boils

The primary goal in treating boils is to promote drainage and healing while preventing the spread of infection. Here are some key treatment approaches:

Home Care for Boils

• Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected area several times daily to encourage drainage
• Keep the area clean and covered with a sterile bandage
• Avoid squeezing or attempting to drain the boil yourself, as this can spread the infection
• Wash hands thoroughly before and after caring for the boil
• Use clean towels and washcloths, and launder contaminated items in hot water

Medical Interventions

For more severe or persistent boils, medical treatment may be necessary:

• Incision and drainage: A healthcare provider may make a small incision to drain the pus and relieve pressure
• Antibiotics: Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed, especially for recurrent or extensive infections
• Cultures: Laboratory testing of the drained material can help identify the specific bacteria and guide antibiotic selection

Can natural remedies help treat boils? While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief with natural approaches such as tea tree oil (which has antimicrobial properties) or drawing salves. However, these should not replace proper medical care for severe or persistent boils.

Preventing Boils: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent boils entirely, several measures can help reduce your risk:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and keep your skin clean
• Avoid sharing personal items: This includes towels, washcloths, and razors
• Treat any cuts or scrapes promptly: Clean and cover wounds to prevent bacterial entry
• Manage underlying conditions: Keep chronic health issues like diabetes well-controlled
• Boost your immune system: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get adequate sleep
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing: This helps reduce friction and moisture buildup

Is there a role for probiotics in boil prevention? Some research suggests that maintaining a healthy skin microbiome may help prevent Staphylococcus aureus colonization. While more studies are needed, incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet may offer some protective benefits.

Complications of Untreated Boils: What You Need to Know

While many boils resolve on their own or with basic care, leaving them untreated can lead to serious complications:

• Cellulitis: A spreading infection of the deeper layers of skin and underlying tissue
• Abscess formation: A larger, more severe pocket of infection
• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection that can occur if bacteria enter the bloodstream
• Scarring: Improper healing or picking at boils can result in permanent scarring
• Spread to other areas: Bacteria from one boil can lead to additional infections elsewhere on the body

Can boils indicate an underlying health problem? In some cases, recurrent boils may be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a rare disorder called hidradenitis suppurativa. If you experience frequent boils, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any systemic issues.

Living with Recurrent Boils: Management and Coping Strategies

For individuals who suffer from chronic or recurrent boils, the condition can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Here are some strategies for managing and coping with frequent boil outbreaks:

Medical Management

• Work with a dermatologist to develop a long-term treatment plan
• Consider systemic antibiotics or topical antiseptics to reduce bacterial colonization
• Explore potential underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalances or autoimmune disorders
• Discuss the possibility of incision and drainage for recurrent boils in the same location

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Maintain impeccable hygiene practices
• Use antibacterial soap or body wash
• Consider using chlorhexidine-based products to reduce skin bacteria
• Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture
• Manage stress, as it can impact immune function and potentially trigger flare-ups

Emotional Support

Dealing with recurrent boils can be emotionally taxing. Consider the following coping strategies:

• Join support groups or online communities for individuals with similar experiences
• Seek counseling if the condition is causing significant distress or impacting your quality of life
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Educate friends and family about your condition to foster understanding and support

Can dietary changes help manage recurrent boils? While there’s no specific diet proven to prevent boils, some individuals find that reducing sugar intake and increasing consumption of anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids) may help reduce the frequency of outbreaks. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

Emerging Research and Future Treatments for Boils

As our understanding of skin infections and the microbiome evolves, researchers are exploring new approaches to preventing and treating boils:

Bacteriophage Therapy

Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. Some studies are investigating their potential use in treating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections, including boils.

Microbiome Manipulation

Research into the skin microbiome is revealing the complex relationships between various bacterial species. Future treatments may involve promoting beneficial bacteria to outcompete harmful ones, potentially reducing the risk of boil formation.

Novel Antimicrobial Compounds

Scientists are continually searching for new antimicrobial agents that can effectively combat bacterial infections while minimizing the risk of resistance. Some promising candidates include antimicrobial peptides and engineered nanoparticles.

Immunomodulatory Therapies

For individuals with recurrent boils due to immune system dysfunction, therapies that modulate the immune response may offer new treatment options in the future.

Will we see a vaccine for Staphylococcus aureus in the near future? While several vaccine candidates have been studied, developing an effective Staphylococcus aureus vaccine has proven challenging due to the bacteria’s complex mechanisms for evading the immune system. Research is ongoing, and a successful vaccine could significantly reduce the incidence of boils and other staph infections.

As research progresses, it’s likely that we’ll see more targeted and personalized approaches to treating and preventing boils. In the meantime, maintaining good hygiene practices, promptly addressing skin injuries, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed remain the best strategies for managing this common but often troublesome skin condition.

Boils Information | Mount Sinai

Furuncle

A boil is an infection that affects groups of hair follicles and nearby skin tissue.

Related conditions include folliculitis, an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, and carbunculosis, a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. 

At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerve fibers that wrap around each hair bulb. Bending the hair stimulates the nerve endings allowing a person to feel that the hair has been moved. One of the main functions of hair is to act as a sensitive touch receptor. Sebaceous glands are also associated with each hair follicle that produce an oily secretion to help condition the hair and surrounding skin.

Causes

Boils are very common. They are most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. They can also be caused by other types of bacteria or fungi found on the skin’s surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows the infection to grow deeper into the follicle and the tissues under it.

Boils may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body. They are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. You may have one or many boils. The condition may occur only once or it can be a long-lasting (chronic) or recurring problem.

Symptoms

A boil may begin as tender, pinkish-red, and swollen, on a firm area of the skin. Over time, it will feel like a water-filled balloon or cyst.

Pain gets worse as it fills with pus and dead tissue. Pain lessens when the boil drains. A boil may drain on its own. More often, the boil needs to be opened to drain.

The main symptoms of a boil include:

• A bump about the size of a pea, but may be as large as a golf ball
• White or yellow center (pustules)
• Spread to other skin areas or joining with other boils
• Quick growth
• Weeping, oozing, or crusting

Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• General ill-feeling
• Itching before the boil develops
• Skin redness around the boil

Exams and Tests

The health care provider can usually diagnose a boil based on how it looks. A sample of cells from the boil may be sent to the lab for a culture to look for staphylococcus or other bacteria.

Treatment

Boils may heal on their own after a period of itching and mild pain. More often, they become more painful as pus builds up.

Boils usually need to open and drain in order to heal. This most often happens within 2 weeks. You should:

• Put warm, moist, compresses on the boil several times a day to speed draining and healing.
• Never squeeze a boil or try to cut it open at home. This can spread the infection.
• Continue to put warm, wet, compresses on the area after the boil opens.

You may need to have surgery to drain deep or large boils. Get treatment from your provider if:

• You have a fever or other symptoms with the boil.
• The boil causes pain or discomfort. 
• You have a boil on your spine or the middle of your face.
• A boil lasts longer than 1 week.
• A boil comes back.

It is important to keep a boil clean. To do this:

• Clean boils and change their dressing often.
• Wash your hands well before and after touching a boil.
• Do not reuse or share washcloths or towels. Wash clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that have touched infected areas in hot water.
• Throw out used dressings in a sealed bag so that fluid from the boil does not touch anything else.

Your provider may give you antibiotics to take by mouth or a shot, if the boil is very bad or comes back.

Antibacterial soaps and creams cannot help much once a boil has formed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Some people have repeated boil infections and are unable to prevent them.

Boils in areas such as the ear canal or nose can be very painful.

Boils that form close together may expand and join, causing a condition called carbunculosis.

Possible Complications

These complications may occur:

• Abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys, or other organ
• Brain infection
• Heart infection
• Bone infection
• Infection of the blood or tissues (sepsis)
• Spinal cord infection
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body or skin surfaces
• Permanent scarring

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if boils:

• Appear on your face or spine
• Occur along with a fever, red streaks coming out from the sore, a large build-up of fluid in the area, or other symptoms of infection
• Cause pain or discomfort
• Do not heal with home treatment within 1 week
• Come back after treatment

Prevention

The following may help prevent the spread of infection:

• Antibacterial soaps

• Antiseptic (germ-killing) washes

• Keeping clean (such as thorough hand washing)

Dinulos JGH. Bacterial infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.

Pulia M, May LS. Skin and soft tissue infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 126.

Last reviewed on: 11/30/2022

Reviewed by: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Pictures on Skin, Causes, and Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD on June 26, 2022

A boil is a common, painful infection of a hair follicle and the surrounding skin. It begins as a red lump, then fills with pus as white blood cells rush in to fight the infection. Good home care can often clear up a single boil, also known as a skin abscess. A doctor’s care is needed when a boil resists treatment or develops in certain vulnerable areas of the body.

Boils are usually pea-sized, but can grow as large as a golf ball. Symptoms can include:

• Swelling, redness, and pain
• A white or yellow center or tip
• Weeping, oozing, or crusting

You may also have a general feeling of ill health, fatigue, or a fever, which is reason to call a doctor.

Boils can form anywhere on the body, but they’re most common on the face, neck, armpits, shoulders, back, and buttocks. Hairy, sweaty areas are typical sites, as well as areas of friction, such as the inner thighs. Boils can also develop around the ear or near the nose. The pain often worsens as pus collects under the skin, then eases as fluids begin to drain.

Most boils are caused by staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), which many healthy people carry on their skin or in their noses without a problem. When a scrape, cut, or splinter breaks the skin, the bacteria can enter a hair follicle and start an infection. Others boils, such as those associated with acne, develop from clogged pores that become infected.

MRSA can look exactly like an ordinary boil: red, swollen, pus-filled, and tender. But MRSA infections are caused by one particular type of staph that is resistant to many antibiotics. If a skin infection spreads or doesn’t improve after 2-3 days of antibiotics, your doctor may suspect MRSA. The right treatment given promptly is important to heal a MRSA infection and prevent a deeper, more dangerous infection.

Not exactly, but the germs that cause boils (staph) are easily spread through skin-to-skin contact and contaminated objects. These bacteria usually do no harm unless they find a break in the skin. To avoid spreading staph, don’t share towels, bedding, clothes, or sports gear while you have a boil. Avoid touching the boil, and keep it covered. Frequent hand washing can also help prevent spreading the bacteria.

Folliculitis is an inflammation or infection of the hair follicles that can develop into a boil. Tiny pimples with whiteheads appear around individual hairs, sometimes surrounded by red skin. It can be itchy, tender, and uncomfortable, but is typically not as painful or deep as a boil. Shaving or friction from tight clothing can let staph bacteria slip under the skin — the most common cause of both folliculitis and boils.

When several boils form close together and join beneath the skin, it’s called a carbuncle. They are most commonly found on the back and the neck but can develop anywhere. Men are more likely to develop carbuncles than women. A carbuncle tends to lie deeper beneath the skin than a boil and can take longer to heal.

Cystic acne is a type of skin abscess that forms when oil and dead skin cells clog a hair follicle, creating a place where bacteria grow and thrive. It affects deeper skin tissue than regular acne, leading to firm, painful cysts. It’s most commonly on the face and shoulders and typically occurs in the teenage years.

When lumps and pus-filled abscesses repeatedly develop in these areas of the body, it may be a chronic condition called hidradenitis suppurativa. Infection starts in sweat glands and hair follicles that become blocked. Mild cases heal with home care. Several drugs and treatments are available for more serious and recurring cases.

When a boil forms in the skin just above the buttocks crease, it may be a pilonidal abscess. Hair is believed to play a role, and irritation, pressure, and prolonged sitting may also contribute to the development of a cyst here. If a cyst becomes inflamed and infected, it becomes an abscess. Some children are born with a “pilonidal dimple” where infections can crop up. Signs of infection require a doctor’s attention.

The familiar “stye on the eye” is a boil, usually caused by staph bacteria. It starts in the follicle of an eyelash and may be red, warm, swollen, and uncomfortable. A stye is sometimes confused with a chalazion, which is also a lump on the eyelid, but a chalazion is usually painless and is caused by a blocked oil gland, not an infection.

Anyone can develop a boil. The risk increases with:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Acne, eczema, or other causes of breaks in the skin
• Diabetes
• A weakened immune system

You can take care of most boils at home. Apply warm, moist compresses several times a day to help a boil open and drain. After it starts draining, keep it clean, and continue using warm compresses — a clean one every time. Change the bandage often and wash hands well. Resist the urge to squeeze or pop the boil. This can make the infection worse.

If a boil doesn’t heal after a week of home care, call your doctor. Other reasons to call include:

• A boil on the face or spine
• A fever or red streaks coming from the sore
• A very large or painful boil
• A boil that keeps coming back

If the fluid inside a boil doesn’t drain by itself, your doctor may prick the top of the sore with a sterile instrument to be sure it drains completely. A deep infection may be packed with sterile gauze so it continues to drain. Antibiotics and steroid shots are sometimes given to help with healing.

For some people, boils are a recurring problem. In addition to standard treatment, your doctor may try to eliminate or reduce staph bacteria throughout the body. This can include any or all of the following treatments: washing up with a special antiseptic soap, using an antibiotic ointment inside the nose, or, if necessary, 1-2 months of antibiotics taken by mouth.

Most boils heal with home treatment or a doctor’s visit. Sores on the face may require antibiotics because they’re so close to the eyes and brain. Rarely, the staph bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can get into the bloodstream, which can then affect the heart and other internal organs.

Since bacteria are everywhere in our environments and on many people’s skin, the best defense against boils includes:

• Hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Careful cleaning of cuts, scrapes, and other wounds
• Keeping wounds covered
• Not sharing towels, sheets, razors, etc.

Wash towels, sheets, and anything else in contact with an infected area in very hot water. Throw away any wound dressings in a tightly sealed bag.

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REFERENCES:

Nemours Foundation: “Staph Infections.”

Skinsight.com: “MRSA.”

University of Chicago Medical Center: “MRSA FAQ.”

Merck Manual of Medical Information, 2nd Home Edition: “Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses. “

NIH Genetics Home Reference: “Hidradenitis Suppurativa.”

Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation: “What is Hidradenitis Suppurativa?”

American Academy of Ophthalmology: “What Are Chalazia and Styes?”

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Furuncle (boil) – symptoms, causes, signs and methods of treatment in adults in “SM-Clinic”

This disease is treated by a Dermatologist
, Surgeon

• About the disease
• Types of boils
• Symptoms of a boil
• Causes of boil development
• Diagnostics
• Expert opinion
• Treatment of furunculosis
• Prevention
• Rehabilitation
• Questions and answers
• Doctors

About the disease

A furuncle is also called a boil. It occurs more often in adulthood. Men are affected somewhat more often than women. The main peak of incidence falls on the autumn and spring periods, when the body’s defenses weaken.

Unlike ostiofolliculitis and folliculitis, the formation of a furuncle is accompanied by the involvement of the surrounding tissue in the inflammatory process. This is due to the severe course of the disease.

On places devoid of hair (palms and palmar surface of the fingers, soles) boils do not develop. Most often they occur on areas of the skin that are subject to contamination (forearms, back of the hand) and friction (back of the neck, lower back, gluteal region, thighs).

Types of boils

Depending on the number of formations, single and multiple boils are distinguished. In the latter case, the disease is called furunculosis.

In the process of development, pathology passes through three successive stages:

• infiltrative: accompanied by tissue infiltration;
• purulent-necrotic: characterized by purulent fusion of the central part of the boil and the formation of a purulent-necrotic core;
• healing stage: begins from the moment of spontaneous or artificial opening of the abscess and lasts until the formation of a scar.

Symptoms of a boil

At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the patient feels slight itching and tingling. On the 1st-2nd day, a formation appears that protrudes conically above the skin. The tissues turn red and become painful when touched. As the boil matures, a head appears on its top – a small accumulation of pus with a black dot in the center.

On the 3-7th day in the form of a rod, together with the remnants of the hair, they are excreted with pus. The resulting wound is cleaned, filled with granulation tissue and healed. The swelling around it gradually decreases, the pain disappears. A small, whitish, somewhat retracted scar remains at the site of inflammation.

Multiple lesions of boils that appear simultaneously or sequentially one after another in different parts of the body – called furunculosis. A disease that lasts with small remissions for several years is considered chronic, relapsing.

Furuncle usually does not cause significant disturbances in well-being. With the defeat of a significant amount of tissue, symptoms of intoxication appear: weakness, headaches, fever. The intensity of pain depends on the location of the formation. In the face area (lips, forehead), as well as on the scrotum, the formation of a boil is accompanied by swelling of the surrounding tissues, which is explained by the looseness of the subcutaneous tissue.

Causes of the development of a boil

The main cause of the development of a furuncle is the defeat of the hair follicle or its surrounding tissues by Staphylococcus aureus, rarely white. An important factor is also a decrease in general or local immunity against the background of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, and infections. Pathology occurs especially often in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic liver and kidney damage, oncological diseases, etc. Infection of tissues often occurs against the background of skin damage: scratches, cuts, abrasions, constant exposure to sweat or purulent discharge (from the nose, ears).

The causes of localized furunculosis are most often incorrect methods of therapy and ignoring the doctor’s recommendations (use of compresses, undertreatment of residual compaction, washing the place where the elements appear).

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

You can find out more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by phone:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

Request a call back
Book online

Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

9000 2 4

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of boils is not difficult. During a visual examination of the patient, a dermatologist discovers a characteristic formation. Its appearance allows you to assess the stage of development of the disease. During the conversation, the doctor determines the possible cause of the development of boils, identifies risk factors. For an accurate diagnosis and determination of the pathogen, bakposev of the discharge is prescribed. In case of multiple lesions, additional diagnostics is carried out:

• general and biochemical blood test;
• immunogram;
• assessment of hormone levels;
• examination by ENT, endocrinologist and other specialists;
• examination of internal organs, paranasal sinuses, lungs, etc. depending on the specific clinical situation.

Expert opinion

Furuncle is a rather serious disease, which should be treated with great care. In no case should you self-medicate: you should not make compresses, use various ointments – in most cases this leads to the spread of the inflammatory process.

A complication of a boil can be lymphadenitis and lymphangitis (damage to the lymphatic vessels and nodes). Of particular danger are rapidly progressing acute thrombophlebitis and sepsis.

Acute thrombophlebitis usually develops with boils located near large saphenous veins, and sepsis – with boils of the face. They are often the result of attempts to squeeze out the contents of the boil, cutting it off during shaving, trauma during massage. The prognosis for these complications is very serious.

Omarova Andzhelika Mutaevna

Coloproctologist, surgeon, Ph.D.

Treatment of furunculosis

Treatment of furuncle is only surgical, because no other therapy will be successful if the focus of purulent inflammation is not removed or opened and drained in a timely manner.

The opening of the boil is usually performed under local anesthesia and is painless for the patient. At the same time, antibiotic therapy, means for correcting immunity and eliminating background pathologies, if any, are prescribed.

Simple (uncomplicated) lesions can be treated on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization. But in case of a severe course, if the patient develops swelling of the soft tissues of the cheek, lip or eye, urgent hospitalization is necessary in the surgical department to constantly monitor the development of the process and prevent complications.

Strict bed rest and appropriate therapy are prescribed for high fever.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of developing boils, it is necessary to regularly cleanse the skin of impurities and fully treat any tissue damage. People with hyperhidrosis and/or excess sebum need to pay special attention to hygiene. General measures are also important: proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, timely treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Rehabilitation

After opening an uncomplicated boil, the patient goes home after 1-2. In the next 2 weeks, he needs to regularly visit a doctor for dressings, take prescribed medications. It is strictly forbidden to play sports, swim in open water or pools, overheat.

Questions and Answers

No. Self-medication and the use of folk remedies can cause complications.

Yes, when a purulent focus is located on the face, the infection can go to the meninges.

Gostishchev Victor Kuzmich. Clinical operative purulent surgery. Guide for doctors. GEOTAR-Media, 2016

Rodionov Anatoly Nikolaevich, Sydikov Akmal Abdikaharovich, Zaslavsky Denis Vladimirovich. Clinical dermatology. Illustrated guide for doctors. GEOTAR-Media, 2022

Nikolsky V. Yu., Imbryakov K. V. Furuncles and carbuncles of the face // Russian Dental Journal. 2013. No. 5.

Okulich V.K., Fedyanin S.D. RATIONAL USE OF ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS IN PATIENTS WITH PURULENT WOUNDS, FURUNCULOSIS, BOILS AND CARBUNCULES // Bulletin of the Voronezh State Medical University. 2003. No. 4.

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Diseases referred by the Surgeon

Soft tissue abscess
liver abscess
Appendicitis
Ascites
Atheroma
femoral hernia
Crohn’s disease
Gangrene
soft tissue hematoma
Giant cell tumor of bone
Hygroma
festering wounds
Hernia
Hernia of the white line of the abdomen
hiatal hernia
Diastasis rectus abdominis
Intestinal diverticulosis
Cholelithiasis
Keratoma
liver cyst
pancreatic cyst
salivary gland cyst
Neck cyst
stab wound
stab wound
Lipoma
Mechanical jaundice
Bowel obstruction
burns
Oleogranuloma
kidney tumor
Acute pancreatitis
Felon
Pancreatic necrosis
Inguinal hernia
Peritonitis
Barrett’s esophagus
Postoperative hernia
Umbilical hernia
Cancer of the extrahepatic bile ducts
Stomach cancer
gallbladder cancer
bowel cancer
adrenal cancer
Parathyroid Cancer
Liver cancer
Esophageal carcinoma
colon cancer
thyroid cancer
Fistula of the gallbladder
Seroma
Thyroiditis
Intestinal injury
vein thrombosis
Thrombophlebitis
Furunculosis
cholestasis
Cholecystitis
Chronic cholecystitis
Esophageal ulcer
Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum

Diseases referred to Dermatologist

Acne (pimples)
Allergic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis
Warts
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Ingrown toenail (onychocryptosis)
Herpes (herpes virus 1, 2 types)
Hyperhidrosis (sweating)
Foot hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
Hyperkeratosis
Hyperkeratosis of the nails
Nail fungus (onychomycosis)
foot fungus
demodicosis
Dermatitis
Nail deformation
diabetic foot
Ichthyosis
Keratoma
warts
molluscum contagiosum
contact dermatitis
Hives
Couperose
Lichen
calluses
corns
Nevuses (moles)
Neurodermatitis
Onychodystrophy
Onycholysis
Rash under the breast
Pityriasis versicolor
Papillomas
Inguinal epidermophytosis
Pediculosis
Skin pigmentation
plantar warts
Loss of skin tone and elasticity
Prickly heat
Psoriasis
Pemphigus
Rosacea
Seborrheic dermatitis
seborrhea
Cracked feet
Acne
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Scabies
Eczema

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causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Getting into the hair follicle of the skin of staphylococcal bacteria can cause serious inflammation. The accumulation of pus with tissue necrosis, which captured the affected area along with the sebaceous glands and fiber, is called a furuncle, and the disease itself is called furunculosis. Its appearance is quite painful, and the development is relatively fleeting. To avoid infection of the skin and the spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues, at the first signs of pathology, you should seek medical help.

Reasons

The inflammatory process and suppuration of tissues contribute to:

• non-observance of personal hygiene requirements or its inadequate quality;
• constant rubbing of clothing against skin;
• abrasions and injuries that provide access for bacteria to the subcutaneous layer;
• intensive work of sebaceous and sweat glands;
• hypovitaminosis;
• metabolic disorders.

Most boils form on areas of the skin with hair follicles. Often they appear on the neck, face, back of the hands, in the lumbar region. At the initial stage, inflammation makes itself felt by the appearance of a characteristic red tubercle that rises above the surface of the skin. After 3-4 days, a purulent head appears. Later, the boil breaks through under the influence of an increase in the volume of purulent secretion or mechanical impact. At the site of the rupture of the skin, a core is visible – the so-called necrotic tissue. After 2-3 days after the rupture, the rod, together with the rest of the purulent contents, is rejected, and the wound begins to heal.

Species

Depending on the location and features of development, general and local furunculosis are distinguished.

• The local type of the disease occurs on a limited area of ​​the skin. Its cause is the incorrect treatment of one rash or a violation of sanitary requirements in matters of skin care.
• General furunculosis captures a significant area of ​​the skin and is characterized by numerous rashes. More often it occurs against the background of a weakening of the body, disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, long-term chronic diseases or during remission, with anemia or disorders in the functioning of the nervous system.

The course of furunculosis can be acute or chronic. In the first case, inflammation occurs simultaneously or with a short time interval, and the disease makes itself felt by fever, headache and a feeling of weakness. The chronic form of furunculosis develops with prolonged physical overwork, with overheating or hypothermia of the body, as well as against the background of a weakened immune system. Regardless of the type of disease, when symptoms of furunculosis appear, it is worth contacting a dermatologist as soon as possible to clarify the causes of the boil and develop an effective tactic for its treatment.

Diagnostic methods

It is possible to accurately establish the development of a boil already with an external examination of the patient. Additional information about the disease will be provided by the results of a clinical and biochemical blood test, as well as cultural diagnostics to identify the type of bacterial infection. The latter method will allow you to select effective antibiotic drugs that will help destroy the pathogen and reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Treatment

The main method of treating furunculosis is the use of external topical agents that relieve the inflammatory process and pain syndrome. The course is based on the consistent intake of antibiotics, antiseptics and painkillers. If there is a possibility of developing an abscess, it is possible to surgically open the boil with the extraction of its contents and the treatment of the site of inflammation. It is possible to use UHF-therapy, which demonstrates high efficiency at any stage of the development of the disease.

Please note: it is strictly unacceptable to self-medicate, as well as to try to open the boil on your own to extract its contents. In addition, it is important to change clothes and bedding more often, strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene, but limit exposure to raw water on the affected area.

Methods of prevention

You can reduce the risk of infection with staphylococcal bacteria and the development of furunculosis if:

• keep the body clean, take a shower regularly;
• treat injuries and cuts carefully;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• exercise regularly;
• diversify the diet, focusing on foods with a high content of vitamins.

In addition, it is important to treat emerging diseases of internal organs in a timely manner, as well as dress according to the season, preventing overheating or hypothermia of the body.

Treatment of furunculosis in JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg)

Qualified therapists and dermatologists of JSC “Medicina” (clinic of Academician Roitberg) in the Central Administrative District of Moscow are ready to receive and examine patients with suspected furunculosis. To confirm the diagnosis, it is recommended to undergo a comprehensive examination in your own laboratory center. Treatment is prescribed on an individual basis, and its course and results are strictly controlled by specialists. Each client is guaranteed a tactful and attentive attitude, confidentiality of personal information, as well as comfort and safety during diagnostic and treatment procedures.

How to open a boil yourself?

Dermatologists categorically do not recommend trying to cope with inflammation on their own, wanting to squeeze out the purulent contents and the core of the boil at home. This is dangerous by secondary infection, the spread of the inflammatory process to healthy tissues, the formation of new areas of inflammation and blood poisoning. The decision to open the boil is made only by the surgeon of the specialized medical institution, and only he has the right to carry out such manipulations.

What does a boil look like?

A furuncle is a thickening or a red tubercle with a purulent head that is noticeable on the surface of the skin. When touching its surface, a relatively strong pain is felt, the skin around it is noticeably inflamed, its temperature is increased. The most common places of development are the back of the head, the back of the hands, the lower back, and the face. The rash can be single or massive, its symptoms do not depend on the number of points of inflammation.

Why do boils appear?

This question can be answered accurately only after a thorough diagnosis of the boil. Among the most likely causes are infection of the hair follicle of the skin with staphylococcus bacteria against the background of beriberi, violation of personal hygiene rules, wearing too tight clothes, poor-quality antiseptic treatment of abrasions and skin injuries.