A boil (or furuncle) is a large, pus-filled lump that forms under the skin caused by a bacterial infection in a hair follicle or oil gland. Some boils can sometimes form clusters called carbuncles. Fortunately, small boils can be treated at home, and will usually heal on their own in 1 or 2 weeks. If you're not sure whether it's a boil, or if the infection is severe or large, it's a good idea to seek medical attention and treatment.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of Boils
Step 1. Look for red bumps on the skin that are painful
When a boil first develops, the infection will be buried deep under the skin. Initially, boils usually appear as red, pea-sized bumps that are painful to the touch. Sometimes, boils can be painful even if they are not touched.
- The skin around the lump may appear inflamed and swollen.
- Boils can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common in areas that sweat a lot and experience friction. Some areas that are often overgrown with boils include the face, armpits, neck, thighs, and buttocks.
Step 2. Notice if the lump has gotten bigger since it first appeared
Pay attention to the possibility of a boil appearing within a few days after you first noticed the lump. If it is a boil, the lump will continue to grow because the abscess under the skin has filled with pus. Although rare, some boils can grow to the size of a baseball.
- To monitor the growth of a boil, you can circle the edges with a pen to see if it increases in size. Alternatively, you can measure it daily.
- As they grow, boils are usually more painful and softer to the touch.
Step 3. Check for yellowish pus under the skin in the center of the lump
When the boil is growing, look for a pale yellow or white "tip" to form. This occurs when the pus in the boil rises to the surface and is visible under the skin. In most cases, the pustules (pus-filled skin) will rupture on their own, allowing the boil to dry and heal.
- Remember, the pus may not be visible if the boil is new. Pus is usually not visible until the boil reaches its final stage.
- Never poke or squeeze the boil to drain the pus. This can allow the infection to spread further into the tissues.
Step 4. Be careful if the symptoms are getting worse which may indicate the formation of a carbuncle
If there are several boils clustered together, you may have a carbuncle. This infection usually appears on the shoulders, back of the neck, or thighs. In addition to swelling and pain, look for symptoms such as fever, chills, and a general feeling of being unwell.
- One carbuncle can have a diameter of 10 cm. The carbuncle usually forms a large, swollen area with a cluster of pustules at its apex.
- A severe carbuncle or boil can also cause swelling of nearby lymph nodes.
Method 2 of 2: Getting a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. Go to the doctor if you have ulcers that are severe or numerous
Although most small boils will heal on their own, you should see a doctor for further evaluation if the boil is severe or large. Boils that appear repeatedly or in groups should also be examined. Go to the doctor immediately if:
- Boils or carbuncles appear on the face, spine, or buttocks.
- Boils grow quickly or are very painful.
- Boils or carbuncles are accompanied by fever, chills, or other general symptoms of illness.
- Boils have a diameter of more than 5 cm.
- Boils do not heal after being treated at home for 2 weeks.
- Boils heal, but reappear.
- You have other concerns or are not sure if the infection is really a boil.
Step 2. Allow the doctor to perform the test if he or she suggests
Usually, your doctor will do a physical exam to make sure that you have a boil. However, if you suffer from frequent boils, your doctor may order further tests to confirm the diagnosis or find out the underlying cause. Tell your doctor if you have frequent boils or other symptoms that worry you.
- Perhaps the doctor will take the boil fluid and send it to a laboratory for analysis. This is useful for determining the best treatment for the boil, especially if the boil is caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
- Tell your doctor if you have any other health problems that may be related to boils. Some of the risk factors that can cause boils include diabetes, skin conditions such as acne or eczema, a weakened immune system due to a recent illness or medical condition, or coming into contact with people who have carbuncles or boils.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about the treatment options to choose from
Depending on the severity of the boil, your doctor may suggest home treatment, or advanced, more aggressive treatment. For example, your doctor may offer to make a small incision and drain the boil in his or her clinic, or prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
- Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when you are undergoing treatment at home. Always take the prescribed antibiotics, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
- Your doctor may ask you to apply a warm compress to reduce pain and encourage the boil to burst quickly. If the boil is drained by the doctor at the clinic, you may need to wrap the boil with a bandage until the wound heals. Also, you may get 1 or two stitches in the wound.
- Follow up with the doctor according to the instructions given so that the boil is completely healed.
Tips
- If you suspect you have a boil, make sure you cover it with a sterile bandage until the boil heals. Boils are caused by bacterial infections so they can be contagious and spread.
- Over-the-counter coal tar cream can help heal small boils more quickly. Apply coal tar to the boil, then cover it with a bandage. Remember, coal tar has a strong odor and can contaminate fabrics.
