Boils are infections affecting groups of hair follicles and the surrounding skin tissue. They can appear anywhere on the body.
They are usually caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by fungi that live on the skin's surface. Poor hygiene, obesity and medical conditions such as diabetes or immunodeficiency can increase the risk of infection.
A boil starts as a red, swollen, tender area of skin with a white or yellowish centre (pustule). The pain will worsen as the boil fills with pus and dead tissue, but will subside once the boil opens up and drains. 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.
Boils usually disappear in less than two weeks without treatment. Applying warm, moist compresses may speed up the healing process.
If the lesion is very deep or widespread, surgical drainage may be necessary. Antibiotics are prescribed if there is a fever, if boils recur or if they appear on the back near the spine or in the centre of the face.
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