Boils are infections that affect groups of hair follicles and surrounding skin tissue and can affect hair follicles anywhere on the body.
In most cases, they are caused by bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungi that live on the surface of the skin. Poor hygiene, obesity, and medical conditions such as diabetes or immunodeficiency increase the risk of infection.
A boil may start as a red, swollen, tender area of skin with a white or yellowish center (pustule). Pain will appear and get worse as the boil fills with pus and dead tissue; the pain will subside as the boil opens up and drains its contents. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, general malaise, itching and redness of the skin around the boil.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history and physical examination.
They usually disappear in less than two weeks without treatment. Warm moist compresses may be applied to speed the healing process.
If the lesion is very deep or widespread, surgical drainage may be performed. Antibiotics are prescribed if there is a fever, if the boils recur, or if they appear on the back near the spine or in the center of the face.
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- Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the infectious diseases society of America. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 59:147.
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- Weng QY, Raff AB, Cohen JM, et al. Costs and Consequences Associated With Misdiagnosed Lower Extremity Cellulitis. JAMA Dermatol 2016.
