Boils are infections in hair follicles or oil glands. Unlike acne or ingrown hairs, boils can become quite large and are painful to the touch. Most boils are caused by staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria commonly found in the nose, anus, and sometimes the skin. Boils are not usually dangerous and can often be cared for at home, but they can be very uncomfortable and sometimes cause scarring.
Identification
Boils are usually diagnosed by visual examination; the doctor looks at the affected area and determines whether it is a boil based on the appearance. Boils have a characteristic appearance that is easily recognized by people who are familiar with them. Boils are round, pus-filled bumps usually between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch in diameter; they are surrounded by red, inflamed skin that may be hot to the touch.
Types
A regular, or single, boil is called a furuncle. Carbuncles are another type of boil that are larger, deeper, and more likely to leave scars. Carbuncles most often appear on the back of the neck, shoulders and thighs. They take much longer to heal and are more likely to cause other symptoms, such as fatigue and fever. Carbuncles resemble single boils but multiple "heads" can be seen where pus is near the surface of the bump.
Effects
Boils are usually quite painful, especially when touched, and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, fever and chills. Depending on whether the boil is a furuncle or carbuncle, it may take between two weeks and a month to head. Rarely, boils can cause widespread infection--sepsis--that can be life-threatening. This happens when the bacteria that caused the boil enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
Prevention/Solution
Home treatment for boils usually consists of applying hot compresses and an antibiotic ointment to the affected area. Hot compresses relieve discomfort and encourage the boil to drain more rapidly, which can speed healing. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by the boil. If you see a doctor for treatment of a boil, he may lance it with a sterile instrument. This allows the boil to drain, which will cause it to hurt less and heal more quickly. Some doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat boils, especially if they recur.
Warning
Although most single boils (furuncles) can be treated at home, you should see a doctor if the boil is very large, worsens rapidly, is accompanied by a fever, or has red lines radiating from it. You should see a doctor about any boil you develop if you have an impaired immune system or if it is located on your face or spine. Sepsis (widespread infection) from boils is quite rare, but if it occurs it requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of sepsis include a very high fever, rapid heartbeat, shaking chills, confusion and a rash that looks like tiny red dots.
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