Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is a boil?
A boil, also called a furuncle, is a painful, red, pus-filled lump that develops in a hair follicle or oil gland. It often starts as a tender area and gradually fills with pus.
2. What causes boils?
Boils are usually caused by bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, entering the skin through a small cut, scratch, or hair follicle. Poor hygiene, weakened immunity, or diabetes can increase the risk.
3. What are the symptoms of a boil?
Symptoms include a red, swollen, tender lump on the skin, often with pus or fluid at the center, warmth, and sometimes fever or fatigue if infection spreads.
4. How is a boil diagnosed?
Boils are typically diagnosed by physical examination. If recurrent or severe, a doctor may take a swab for bacterial culture to guide treatment.
5. Is a boil serious?
Most boils are mild and resolve on their own, but large, painful, or recurrent boils may need medical attention. Rarely, infections can spread to deeper tissues or the bloodstream.
6. How is a boil treated?
Small boils may drain naturally with warmth and hygiene. Treatment options include warm compresses, keeping the area clean, and sometimes antibiotics. Surgical drainage may be required for large or resistant boils.
7. Can boils be prevented?
Prevention includes good hygiene, not sharing personal items, keeping skin clean and dry, managing underlying conditions like diabetes, and promptly treating minor skin infections.
8. When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if a boil is very painful, large, persistent, recurrent, associated with fever, spreading redness, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
9. Can boils recur?
Yes. Some people are prone to recurrent boils, particularly if they carry Staphylococcus bacteria on the skin or have risk factors such as diabetes or immune suppression.
10. Are there complications from boils?
Complications are uncommon but can include skin abscesses, cellulitis (spreading skin infection), scarring, or in severe cases, bloodstream infection (sepsis). Prompt treatment reduces these risks.
