How is boils treated?

A boil is a tender, pus-filled lump that forms around an infected hair follicle. It may become red, warm, and increasingly painful before it opens and drains. Several boils, repeated episodes, or a deep lump can need an examination to distinguish a boil from another skin lump.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or cut the area yourself. Pressure can push infection deeper or spread it to nearby skin.

Place a clean warm compress over the boil for short periods, keep the surrounding skin clean, and cover any drainage with a fresh dressing. Wash hands after touching the area and do not share towels or razors. A clinician may perform Abscess Drainage when pus is trapped or the lump is large. Antibiotics For Skin Infection may be prescribed when infection is spreading, severe, recurrent, or accompanied by other risk factors.

Seek prompt medical care for a boil on the face, near the eye, or over the spine; rapidly increasing swelling; severe pain; fever; spreading redness; or multiple lesions. Arrange review if it is not improving, keeps returning, or you have diabetes or reduced immunity.

Ask whether the lump needs drainage, whether a sample is useful, how to dress it, and how to reduce the chance of further boils.