boil : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

What is a Boil?

A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin.

What are the symptoms of Boil?

A boil starts as a hard, red, painful lump usually less than an inch in size. Over the next few days, the lump becomes softer, larger, and more painful. Soon a pocket of pus forms on the top of the boil. Signs of a severe infection are

• The skin around the boil becomes red, painful, and swollen;
• more boils may appear around the original one;
• a fever develops;
• The lymph nodes in the area become swollen.

What causes Boil?

There are many causes of boils. Some boils can be caused by an ingrown hair. Others can form as the result of a splinter or other foreign material that has become lodged in the skin. Others boil, such as those of acne, are caused by plugged sweat glands that become infected. Often the exact cause of a boil cannot be determined.

These health problems make people more susceptible to skin infections:

• Diabetes
• Problems with the immune system
• Poor nutrition
• Poor hygiene
• Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin

How is Boil diagnosed?

Your doctor can make the diagnosis with a physical exam. Many parts of the body may be affected by this skin infection, so some of the questions or exam may be about other parts of your body. 

What are the treatments of Boil?

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.

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, otherwise the infection could return.