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The Cause and Treatment of a Boil

A boil (or furuncle) is a pus-filled bump on the skin that can be painful and unsightly--yet easily treated.

  1. Symptoms

    • A boil may begin as a tender, pinkish, swollen bump--but it will become more painful as it fills with pus.

    Causes

    • Boils are a common condition, caused by the infection of a hair follicle with staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The staph bacteria can enter the skin through a cut or scratch.

    Treatment: Home

    • Boils must drain before they can heal. Some boils may heal on their own, but applying a warm compress can help it to drain.

    Treatment: Doctor

    • Doctors can drain larger boils--or boils lasting longer than two weeks--by making a small incision in the tip. A doctor can also prescribe antibiotics to heal severe infections.

    Prevention

    • Washing your hands may help prevent boils.
      Washing your hands may help prevent boils.

      Good hygiene, such as thorough hand washing, may help to prevent boils. The Mayo Clinic also recommends keeping wounds covered, thoroughly cleaning cuts and scrapes, and not sharing personal items such as towels and razors.

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References

  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Alisha Vargas

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