Boils

Boils A boil is a red, swollen, painful bump under the skin, similar to an overgrown pimple. Boils are often caused by an infected hair follicle. Bacteria from the infection will form an abscess or pocket of pus. The abscess can become larger than a ping pong ball and be extremely painful. Boils occur most often in areas where there is hair and chafing. The face, neck, armpits, breasts, groin, and buttocks are common boil sites. Prevention * Wash boil prone areas often with soapy water. An antibacterial soap may help. Dry thoroughly. * Avoid clothing that is too tight. Home Treatment Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or lance the boil. Squeezing can push the infection deeper into the skin. Scratching can spread the bacteria and form new boils. Wash yourself well with an antibacterial soap to prevent the boil from spreading. * Use moist heat often. Apply hot, wet washcloths to the boil for 20 to 30 minutes, three to four times a day. Do this as soon as you notice a boil. The heat and moisture can help bring the boil to a head, but it may take five to seven days. A hot water bottle or heating pad applied over a damp towel may also help. * Continue using warm compresses for three days after the boil opens. Apply a bandage to keep draining material from spreading, and change it daily. When to Call a Health Professional If needed, your doctor can drain the boil and treat the infection. Call the doctor: * If the boil is on your face, near you spine, or in the anal area. * If signs of worsening infection develop: * Increased pain, swelling, heat, redness, or tenderness * Red streaks extending from the boil * Continued discharge of pus * Fever of 100' or higher with no other cause If any other lumps, particularly painful ones, develop near the infected area. If the pain limits your normal activities. * If you have diabetes. * If the boil is as large as a ping pong ball. If the boil has not improved after five to seven days of home treatment. If many boils develop and persist over several month Skin\| Types of Skin\| Food and Skin\|Skincare Products\| Cleansing\| Moisturizing\| Skin Care Routine\| Facial Masques\| Facial Scrubs\| Facial Skincare\| Skin Problems\| Skin and the Sun \| Water and Skin\| Skin changes in Climate\| Travel and Skin\| Structure of the Skin\| Normal Skin\| Dry Skin\| Oily Skin\| Acne\| Black Heads\| Wrinkles\| Skin Allergy \| Hair Removal\| Tips for Skin Care\| Acne FAQ\| Treatment for Skin\| Skin Cancer\| Skin Rashes\| Skin Disorders\| Skin Tag\| Natural Skin Care\| Organic Skin Care\| Skin Diseases\| Antiaging Skin Care\| Acne Skin Care\| Skin Care for Man\| Face Skin Care\| Natural Skin Care Products\| Skin Care for Baby\| Skin Creams\| Specialized Care for Oily Skin\| Specialized Care for Blimished Skin\| Specialized Care for Dry Skin\| Specialized Care for Sensitive Skin\| Specialized Care for Combination Skin\| Specialized Care for Balanced Skin\| Cleansing the Body\| Skin Care Face\| Blotchy Skin\| Cellulite\| Dermatitis Eczema\| Facial Hair\| Freckles\| Moles\| Perspiration\| Scars\| Skin Discoloration\| Sunburn\| Unwanted Hair\| Veruccas\| Warts\| White Heads\| Wind Burn\| Skin in the Sun\| Protection from Sun\| Faking a Fan\| Skin in Extreme Climates\| Hand Skin Care\| Foot Skin Care\| Skin Health Eating\| Face Skin Treatment\| Body Skin Treatment\| Sweat and the Skin \| Summer Cleansing\| Smooth Skin \| Skin Care Hormones\| Skin Energizer\| Skin Fitness\| Gentle Skin Cleansers\| Most Effective Moisturizers\| Skin Toners and Astringents\| Natural Melange Masks\| Skin Boosters\| Treatment for Pimples\| Tips on Treating Freckles\| Tips on Curing Sunburns\| Skin Whiteners\| Cleansing Steaming the Face\| Deep Pore Cleansing Facial\| Waxing\| Blisters\| Boils\| Dandruff\| Eczema\| Fungel Infections\| Hives\| Impetigo\| Ingrown Toe Nails\| Insect Bites and Stings\| Lice and Scabies\| Tick Bites\| Skin Tonics\| Exfoliation Skin Care