When boils pop. Boils and Carbuncles: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

15.09.202318.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are boils and carbuncles. How do they differ from each other. What causes these skin infections. When should you seek medical attention for boils and carbuncles. How can you treat and prevent these skin conditions at home.

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Understanding Boils: Painful Skin Infections

Boils are red, painful lumps that form just beneath the skin’s surface. They’re typically caused by bacterial infections, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). These skin infections can develop anywhere on the body, but they’re most likely to appear in areas with a combination of hair, sweat, and friction.

Common locations for boils include:

Face
Neck
Armpits
Thighs

As a boil progresses, pus accumulates inside, causing it to enlarge and become more painful. Eventually, most boils burst naturally, allowing the pus to drain without leaving a scar. This process can take anywhere from two days to three weeks.

How to Identify a Boil

Are you unsure if you have a boil or just a large pimple? While it can be challenging to differentiate between the two, boils tend to grow larger and become more painful over time. If you’re uncertain, consult your GP, who can diagnose a boil based on its appearance.

Carbuncles: When Boils Cluster Together

A carbuncle is a more severe skin infection characterized by a dome-shaped cluster of boils. These infections typically develop over several days and can grow to a size of 3-10cm. Carbuncles are most commonly found on the:

Back
Thighs
Back of the neck

Unlike individual boils, carbuncles often leak pus from multiple points. They’re less common than boils and tend to affect middle-aged or older men, particularly those with poor health or weakened immune systems.

Recognizing Carbuncle Symptoms

In addition to the visible skin infection, carbuncles may cause systemic symptoms, including:

High temperature (38°C or 100.4°F or above)
General feeling of unwellness
Weakness and exhaustion

When to Seek Medical Attention for Boils and Carbuncles

While most boils resolve on their own, certain situations warrant a visit to your GP. Seek medical attention if you have a boil:

On your face, nose, or spine (due to potential serious complications)
That grows larger and feels soft and spongy to the touch
That doesn’t heal within two weeks
Accompanied by a fever and general feeling of unwellness

For carbuncles, it’s crucial to consult your GP as soon as you suspect you have one. These more severe infections often require medical intervention.

Home Treatment for Boils: Speeding Up the Healing Process

Most boils improve without medical treatment. However, you can take steps at home to accelerate healing and alleviate discomfort:

Apply a warm, moist face cloth to the boil for 10-20 minutes, three or four times daily.
Be cautious with water temperature to avoid scalds or burns.
Cover the boil with sterile gauze or a dressing after it bursts to prevent infection spread.
Wash your hands thoroughly with hot water and soap after treating the boil.
Use over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage pain.

Important: Never squeeze or pierce a boil, as this can spread the infection.

Medical Interventions for Persistent Boils and Carbuncles

If a boil doesn’t heal on its own, your GP may decide to drain it or refer you to a hospital for the procedure. This typically involves numbing the area and using a sterile needle or scalpel to pierce the boil.

When Are Antibiotics Necessary?

Antibiotics are usually recommended in the following situations:

All cases of carbuncles
Presence of a high temperature
Development of a secondary infection (e.g., cellulitis)
Boils on the face (due to higher risk of complications)
Severe pain and discomfort

It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if the boil or carbuncle improves, to prevent the infection from returning.

Managing Recurrent Boils and Carbuncles

If you experience frequent boils or carbuncles, you may require additional treatment. Many individuals who suffer from recurring infections are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus, meaning they have staph bacteria living on their skin or inside their nose.

Treatment for recurrent infections depends on where the bacteria are found on your body. Your GP will provide guidance on the most appropriate course of action.

Preventing Boils and Carbuncles: Simple Steps for Skin Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent boils and carbuncles, you can reduce your risk by following these simple steps:

Wash your skin regularly using a mild antibacterial soap
Clean any cuts, wounds, or grazes carefully, no matter how small
Cover cuts and wounds with appropriate dressings
Maintain good personal hygiene, especially in areas prone to sweating
Avoid sharing personal items like towels or razors
Keep your immune system strong through a healthy diet and regular exercise

Potential Complications of Boils and Carbuncles

While most boils and carbuncles resolve without further issues, some individuals may develop secondary infections. These can range from minor (though often very painful) infections of the deeper skin layers, such as cellulitis, to rarer and more serious complications like sepsis.

Larger boils and carbuncles may also lead to scarring. To minimize the risk of complications, it’s essential to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention when necessary.

Understanding Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common complication of boils and carbuncles. It’s a bacterial infection that affects the deeper layers of skin and the underlying tissue. Symptoms of cellulitis include:

Redness and swelling of the affected area
Warmth and tenderness to the touch
Fever and chills
Swollen lymph nodes

If you suspect you have cellulitis, seek medical attention promptly. This condition typically requires antibiotic treatment to prevent the infection from spreading further.

Recognizing Sepsis: A Serious Complication

Sepsis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur when an infection enters the bloodstream. While it’s uncommon for boils or carbuncles to lead to sepsis, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs:

High fever or low body temperature
Rapid heartbeat and breathing
Confusion or disorientation
Severe pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in conjunction with a boil or carbuncle, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The Role of Immune System Health in Preventing Skin Infections

A strong immune system plays a crucial role in preventing and fighting off skin infections like boils and carbuncles. To support your immune health:

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Get regular exercise to boost overall health
Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
Ensure you get adequate sleep each night
Consider taking vitamin supplements, especially vitamin C and D, after consulting with your healthcare provider

By maintaining a healthy immune system, you can reduce your risk of developing recurrent boils and carbuncles.

When to Consider Further Evaluation for Recurring Infections

If you experience frequent boils or carbuncles despite practicing good hygiene and taking preventive measures, it may be time to consult a dermatologist or infectious disease specialist. These healthcare professionals can help determine if there are underlying factors contributing to your recurrent infections, such as:

Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmune disorders
Diabetes
Chronic skin conditions

A thorough evaluation may include blood tests, skin cultures, or other diagnostic procedures to identify any underlying issues and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Importance of Proper Wound Care

Proper wound care is essential in preventing boils and carbuncles, especially if you’re prone to these infections. When caring for cuts, scrapes, or other skin injuries:

Clean the wound thoroughly with mild soap and water
Apply an antiseptic solution like hydrogen peroxide or iodine
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing
Change the dressing daily or more frequently if it becomes wet or dirty
Monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge

By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of bacteria entering your skin and causing infections.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Skin Health

Various lifestyle factors can influence your susceptibility to boils and carbuncles. Consider making the following changes to promote overall skin health:

Quit smoking, as it can impair your immune system and slow wound healing
Limit alcohol consumption, which can also weaken your immune response
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce skin friction in areas prone to boils
Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to minimize sweating and skin irritation
Practice stress-reduction techniques, as chronic stress can affect your immune function

By addressing these lifestyle factors, you can create an environment less conducive to the development of skin infections.

The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health

Emerging research suggests that probiotics may play a role in maintaining skin health and potentially reducing the risk of skin infections. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support your body’s natural defense mechanisms. While more studies are needed to fully understand their impact on conditions like boils and carbuncles, incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet may offer some benefits:

Yogurt with live cultures
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Kombucha

Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Psychological Impact of Recurrent Skin Infections

Dealing with frequent boils or carbuncles can take a toll on your mental health and self-esteem. It’s important to address the psychological aspects of these conditions:

Seek support from friends, family, or a support group for individuals with chronic skin conditions
Consider talking to a therapist or counselor about your feelings and concerns
Practice self-care activities that boost your mood and confidence
Focus on aspects of your health and appearance that you can control
Educate yourself about your condition to feel more empowered in managing it

Remember that skin infections don’t define you, and with proper care and support, you can maintain a positive outlook while managing your condition.

Boils and carbuncles | nidirect

Boils and carbuncles are red, painful lumps that form just under the surface of the skin. They are usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Boils

Boils can develop anywhere on your skin. But you’re most likely to get a boil in an area where there’s a combination of hair, sweat and friction, such as the face, neck, armpits or thighs.

A boil on the back of the hand

Over time, pus forms inside the boil, making it bigger and more painful. Most boils eventually burst. The pus then drains away without leaving a scar. This can take from two days to three weeks to happen.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a boil and a spot. But boils tend to grow bigger and become more painful. Your GP should be able to diagnose a boil from its appearance.

Carbuncles

A carbuncle is a dome-shaped cluster of boils. It usually develops over a few days. The areas most commonly affected are the back, thighs, or back of the neck.

A carbuncle is a dome-shaped cluster of boils

A carbuncle can grow to a size of 3-10cm and will leak pus from a number of points.

You may also:

have a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above
feel generally unwell
feel weak and exhausted

Carbuncles are less common than boils. They tend to mostly affect middle-aged or older men in poor health or with a weakened immune system. Boils are common in adolescents and young adults.

When to see your GP

See your GP if you think you have a carbuncle.

With boils, you don’t usually need to see a doctor as most boils burst and heal by themselves. But see your GP if you have a boil:

on your face, nose or spine – this can sometimes cause serious complications
that gets bigger and feels soft and spongy to touch – it may not burst and heal by itself
that doesn’t heal within two weeks
and you have a temperature and feel generally unwell

Your GP should be able to identify a boil or carbuncle by looking at it.

Treating boils and carbuncles

Self care

Most boils get better without the need for medical treatment.

One of the best ways to speed up healing is to apply a warm, moist face cloth to the boil for 10-20 minutes, three or four times a day.

Be careful not to use water that’s too hot. Make sure the face cloth is not too warm to avoid a scald or burn. Test how warm it is using the skin on the back of your hand.

The heat increases the amount of blood circulating around the boil. This sends more infection-fighting white blood cells to the area.

When the boil bursts, cover it with sterile gauze or a dressing. This is to prevent the spread of infection.

Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly using hot water and soap.

Never squeeze or pierce a boil because it could spread the infection.

You can use over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help relieve any pain caused by the boil.

Draining boils

If your boil doesn’t heal, your GP may decide to drain it, or refer you to hospital to have this done. They’ll usually numb the area first and then use a sterile needle or scalpel to pierce the boil.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are usually recommended:

for all cases of carbuncles
if you have a high temperature
if you develop a secondary infection, such as cellulitis (infection of the deeper layers of the skin)
if you have a boil on your face – facial boils have a higher risk of causing complications
if you’re in severe pain and discomfort

It’s very important to finish the course of antibiotics even if the boil goes away. If you don’t the infection could return.

Treating recurrent boils and carbuncles

You’re likely to need further treatment if you keep getting boils or carbuncles.

Most people who keep getting boils are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). This means they have staph bacteria living on their skin or inside their nose.

Treatment will depend on where the bacteria are found on your body. Your GP will advise you about treatment.

Causes of boils and carbuncles

Boils and carbuncles are often caused by a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria) that infects one or more hair follicles.

You can get a boil when bacteria enter the skin through cuts and grazes.

A carbuncle develops when the infection spreads further beneath the skin to create a cluster of boils.

Complications of boils and carbuncles

Although most boils and carbuncles don’t cause further problems, some people develop a secondary infection.

This can range from a minor (though often very painful) infection of the deeper layer of the skin, such as cellulitis, to rarer and more serious complications, such as sepsis.

Larger boils and carbuncles can also lead to scarring.

Preventing boils and carbuncles

You can’t always avoid getting a boil or carbuncle, but these simple steps can reduce your risk:

wash your skin regularly using a mild antibacterial soap
carefully clean any cuts, wounds or grazes (even small ones)
cover cuts, wounds and grazes with a sterile bandage until they heal
eat healthily and exercise regularly to boost your immune system

Catching boils or carbuncles

You can catch a boil or carbuncle. Unlike acne, boils and carbuncles can spread to another part of the body or to another person.

To prevent boils and carbuncles spreading, take simple precautions such as:

washing your hands after touching affected areas
using a separate face cloth and towel
washing underwear, bed linen and towels at a high temperature
covering wounds with a dressing until they heal
carefully disposing of used dressings

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Should You Do It and When to Call a Doctor

How to Pop a Boil: Should You Do It and When to Call a Doctor

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Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Tessa Sawyers — Updated on April 25, 2023

You may be tempted to pop or lance a boil at home, but do not do this. This can spread infection and make the boil worse. Your boil may contain bacteria that could be dangerous if not properly treated.

If your boil is painful or isn’t healing, have it checked by a healthcare professional. They may need to surgically open and drain the boil and prescribe antibiotics.

Boils are caused by inflammation of a hair follicle or sweat gland. Typically, the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus causes this inflammation.

A boil usually appears as a hard lump under the skin. It then develops into a firm balloon-like growth under the skin as it fills with pus.

A boil typically appears in crevices or places where sweat and oil can build up, such as:

underarms
waist area
buttocks
under breasts
groin area

A boil commonly has a white or yellow center, which is caused by the pus inside it. The boil may spread to other areas of the skin. A cluster of boils connected to each other under the skin is called a carbuncle.

A boil can heal on its own. However, it may become more painful as pus continues to build in the lesion.

Instead of popping or picking at the boil, which can lead to infection, treat the boil with care. Follow these steps:

Use a clean, warm cloth to apply a compress to the boil. You can repeat this several times a day to encourage the boil to come to a head and drain.
Keep the area clean. Wash your hands after touching the affected area.
If the boil is painful, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
When open, the boil may weep or ooze liquid. Once the boil opens, cover it to prevent infection in the open wound. Use an absorbent gauze or pad to prevent the pus from spreading. Change the gauze or pad frequently.

If your boil doesn’t heal with home treatment, you may need to visit a doctor. Medical treatment may include:

topical or oral antibiotics
surgical incision
tests to determine the cause of boil

Surgical treatment usually involves draining the boil. Your doctor will make a small incision in the face of the boil. They will use an absorbent material, such as gauze, to soak up pus inside the boil.

Do not attempt this at home. Your home isn’t a sterile environment like a hospital setting. You’re at risk of developing a more serious infection or scarring.

Call a doctor if your boil:

worsens quickly
is accompanied by fever
hasn’t improved in 2 or more weeks
is bigger than 2 inches across
is accompanied by symptoms of infection

Resist the urge to pick at and pop your boil. Instead, apply warm compresses and keep the area clean.

If your boil doesn’t improve within 2 weeks or shows signs of serious infection, talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional. They may recommend lancing and draining the boil, and may prescribe antibiotics.

Last medically reviewed on June 15, 2022

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Boils. (n.d.).
aocd.org/page/Boils
Boils. (2020).
nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles. (n.d.).
hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/dermatology/folliculitis_boils_and_carbuncles_85,P00285
How to treat boils and styes. (n.d.).
aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/boils-and-styes

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Apr 25, 2023

Written By

Tessa Sawyers

Edited By

Britt Gambino

Copy Edited By

Sara Giusti

Jun 15, 2022

Medically Reviewed By

Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C

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Medically reviewed by Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C — By Tessa Sawyers — Updated on April 25, 2023

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