What should you know about multiple boils?

A boil begins around an infected hair follicle and may become a tender, red lump containing pus. Several lesions can appear close together or at different sites. Friction, shaving, sweating, skin-to-skin spread, and bacteria entering irritated skin can contribute. Recurrent or clustered boils may require assessment for a deeper abscess, a spreading infection, or a condition that causes repeated inflammation.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or cut a boil yourself. This can push infection deeper or spread it to nearby skin and other people. Keep draining lesions covered with clean dressings and wash hands after touching them.

Use a warm, clean compress for comfort, wear loose clothing, and avoid sharing towels, razors, or clothing. Clean surfaces and launder items that contact drainage. Arrange a medical review when there are several boils, repeated episodes, significant pain, or a lesion near the eye, nose, groin, or spine.

A clinician may decide that abscess drainage is needed, or prescribe antibiotics for a skin infection when indicated. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and return if lesions are not improving.

Seek same-day medical advice for fever, chills, rapidly spreading redness, red streaks, severe pain, marked swelling, or feeling unwell. Urgent assessment is needed for a boil near the eye or on the face, or for symptoms suggesting a serious spreading infection.

Ask whether the lesions need culture, drainage, or antibiotics; how to protect household members; whether repeated boils suggest an underlying skin condition; and how to care for the area during healing.