A boil is a common skin condition that appears as red, swollen pus-filled bump. It is more common in men, and 3 out of every 100 people who visit the doctor for skin infection suffer from it. What are the causes of boils? And how can they be treated and prevented? (8)


Causes of boils


Boils are usually caused by a bacterial infection, often from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which normally live on the skin without causing any harm. They can also be caused by other types of bacteria and fungi. When the pathogen enters the body through small cuts or hair follicles, the immune system sends white blood cells to fight the infection. Over time, these cells accumulate with damaged skin cells to form pus, causing a painful bump known as a boil. (2)(3)


Boils can occur anywhere on the body, and are more common on the face, armpits, buttocks, and thighs. They may appear only once or can be a long-term or recurrent problem. (4)


Factors that increase the likelihood of developing body boils


Anyone can get a boil, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of infection, such as: (5)

  • Close contact with someone who has a Staphylococcus aureus infection.
  • Having other skin diseases such as eczema and acne.
  • Having diabetes, especially if it is not well controlled.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Neglecting personal hygiene.
  • Exposure to harsh chemicals that irritate the skin.
  • Weak immune system.
  • Using some medications such as cortisone. (1)
  • Obesity. (1)


Treatment of boils


Small boils heal on their own with time, (7) In general, you can take care of boils at home by: (6)


  • Put warm compresses on the boil for 15-20 minutes several times a day, using a clean cloth and change it each time.
  • Wash your hands well, especially after touching the affected area.
  • Wash the affected area regularly with soap and water, and dry it with a clean, new towel each time.
  • Avoid squeezing, puncturing, or trying to drain the boil to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Wear loose, air-permeable clothing to reduce friction and irritation.
  • Wash towels, linens, and clothing in hot water, then dry them.


Why you should see a doctor


See ​​your doctor in the following cases. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics and drain the boil: (5)( 6)

  • If the boils are very large or very painful.
  • If the boils persist for more than a week, get worse, or recur.
  • If you have diabetes or a problem with your immune system, or if you are using immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids (cortisone medications) or chemotherapy
  • If the boils appear on your face or spine.
  • If you have a fever or chills with the boil.
  • If there are red lines around the boil.



How to prevent boils


The following practices can help prevent boils: (7)


  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Do not share towels, sheets, razors, and clothing with others.
  • Avoid tight clothing that restricts airflow.
  • Avoid close contact with someone who has a Staphylococcus aureus infection.




We are here for you! Consult the specialists in the Dermatology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital for valuable advice on boils, how to prevent them, and how to treat them so they do not develop and get worse.





References


  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
  2. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/boils-carbuncles/
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770
  4. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/boils
  5. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/boils
  6. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/boils#risk-factors-for-boils
  7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15153-boils-and-carbuncles
  8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513141/