Boil on the forehead

A boil, also called a furuncle, develops around an infected hair follicle and may produce a firm, red, warm, painful lump. It can have a visible centre, but it may also remain under the skin. Other skin lumps can look similar, including an inflamed cyst or blocked follicle, so appearance alone cannot confirm the cause. Pain, warmth, swelling, and any drainage help a clinician assess it.

Place a clean warm compress over the area for a short period, several times through the day if comfortable. Wash gently, avoid scrubbing, and keep hands away from the lump. Do not pop it, pierce it, shave over it, or apply harsh household products. If it drains, use clean gauze and wash your hands after touching the dressing. Avoid sharing towels, pillowcases, or face cloths until drainage has stopped.

Arrange an examination if the swelling grows, pain becomes marked, drainage continues, or the lump is not improving. Seek prompt care for fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, swelling near the eye, vision changes, severe headache, confusion, or feeling very unwell. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics for skin infection or recommend abscess drainage when pus is trapped. Facial lumps deserve careful assessment because nearby swelling can affect sensitive structures.

Ask whether this is a boil or another skin lump, whether it needs drainage, and which cleansing or pain-relief measures suit you. Mention recent skin injury, shaving, drainage, fever, diabetes, immune conditions, or previous boils.