What Are Skin Boils?
Skin boils are infections due to bacteria or germs located within the skin. A boil starts as a sensitive area and eventually hardens. It forms a "head" made of bacteria and blood cells. The collected blood cells are the type used to fight boil-causing infection within the blood stream. Doctors utilize antibiotics to treat most boils, but certain boils require surgical removal and draining. Ice packs can alleviate the pain and inflammation of a boil throughout the infection process.
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Causes
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Some boils result from exposure to bacteria or infection or blocked ducts, glands or follicles. Many boils are the result of a staph infection that has become an abscess and requires draining. A staph infection can occur through an opening in the skin or through a hair follicle, resulting in a germ invasion. Additionally, boils may be the result of such health conditions as a weak immune system or diabetes. Other times, boils result from harsh chemicals, improper hygiene or even a poor diet.
Types
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There are four types of boils commonly found on the human body. Cystic acne is the result of oil duct blockage that contains bacteria and leads to infection. Referred to just as "acne," these boils are common within teens and some young adults. Infected hair follicles are furuncle boils and can occur anywhere on the body. Pilonidal cysts are specifically located on the buttocks and, again, start due to an infected hair follicle. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a disease of the sweat glands, causing boils on the groin region or beneath the armpit area or sometimes under women's breasts. It manifests as severe acne in these areas.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of boils are soft, red spots that are painful when light pressure is applied. Boils start out quite small, but they become larger and even more painful in just a few days. Eventually puss containing protein, white blood cells and bacteria will collect at the top. This "head" is an indication that the boil is ready for popping or lancing. Swollen lymph nodes and fever may occur during the infection and require medical attention.
Treatment
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A doctor will diagnose boils during a physical exam. He may obtain samples to identify the type of boil and the cause. A doctor may perform a diabetes exam if the boils occur often. Treatments of many boils can be done at home using hot packs to relieve pressure. Once the boil obtains a "head," it is time to squeeze or lance the boil. Some boils may require antibiotics to eliminate bacteria and fight infection while it heals. Hidradenitis suppurativa requires lancing and even surgical removal, and antibiotics do very little for this type of boil.
Prevention
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Prevention of boils includes the use of antibacterial soaps and utilizing proper hygiene. Replacing a sponge or washcloth with a loofah will help to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells. This will reduce the amount of infected hair follicles and bacteria. Avoid sitting on the buttock region for longer than necessary to eliminate pressure that may clog ducts or hair follicles. A doctor may prescribe acne medications to treat or prevent hidradenitis suppurativa.
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References
Resources
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