Boil: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Boil | |||
| image = [[File:Furoncle.jpg|left|thumb|A boil on the skin]] | |||
| caption = A boil on the skin | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Furuncle | |||
| symptoms = [[Redness]], [[pain]], [[swelling]], [[pus]] | |||
| complications = [[Abscess]], [[sepsis]], [[scarring]] | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Days to weeks | |||
| causes = [[Bacterial infection]], commonly ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' | |||
| risks = [[Poor hygiene]], [[diabetes]], [[weakened immune system]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[culture]] | |||
| differential = [[Cyst]], [[carbuncle]], [[folliculitis]] | |||
| prevention = Good hygiene, [[antiseptic]] measures | |||
| treatment = [[Incision and drainage]], [[antibiotics]] | |||
| medication = [[Antibiotics]] such as [[dicloxacillin]], [[cephalexin]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
A '''boil''', also known as a '''furuncle''', is a common, painful skin condition characterized by the inflammation of a hair follicle, leading to an infected, pus-filled bump on the skin.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Usatine |first=RP |title=Skin and Soft Tissue Infections |journal=American Family Physician |volume=92 |issue=6 |pages=474-83 |year=2015}}</ref> This condition is most often caused by the bacteria [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. | A '''boil''', also known as a '''furuncle''', is a common, painful skin condition characterized by the inflammation of a hair follicle, leading to an infected, pus-filled bump on the skin.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Usatine |first=RP |title=Skin and Soft Tissue Infections |journal=American Family Physician |volume=92 |issue=6 |pages=474-83 |year=2015}}</ref> This condition is most often caused by the bacteria [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. | ||
[[File:Furuncle-MIN-IMG 2589.jpg|thumb|Furuncle-MIN-IMG 2589]] | [[File:Furuncle-MIN-IMG 2589.jpg|left|thumb|Furuncle-MIN-IMG 2589]] | ||
[[File:OSC Microbio 21 02 boil.jpg|thumb|OSC Microbio 21 02 boil]] | [[File:OSC Microbio 21 02 boil.jpg|left|thumb|OSC Microbio 21 02 boil]] | ||
==Clinical Presentation== | ==Clinical Presentation== | ||
A boil typically begins as a tender, reddened area on the skin that gradually becomes firm, hard, and more sensitive. Over time, the center of the boil softens and fills with pus that eventually forms a head that can be surgically opened or may spontaneously drain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Leppard |first=BJ |title=The surgical management of boils |journal=British Journal of Clinical Practice |volume=40 |issue=5 |pages=192-3 |year=1986}}</ref> | A boil typically begins as a tender, reddened area on the skin that gradually becomes firm, hard, and more sensitive. Over time, the center of the boil softens and fills with pus that eventually forms a head that can be surgically opened or may spontaneously drain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Leppard |first=BJ |title=The surgical management of boils |journal=British Journal of Clinical Practice |volume=40 |issue=5 |pages=192-3 |year=1986}}</ref> | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The primary cause of a boil is an infection of a hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria and fungi can also cause boils. These infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through a hair follicle or a small cut or scratch. | The primary cause of a boil is an infection of a hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria and fungi can also cause boils. These infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through a hair follicle or a small cut or scratch. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of a boil is typically based on its appearance. In some cases, a sample of the pus may be sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Diluvio |first=L |title=Microbiological evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity in children with atopic dermatitis |journal=Pediatric Dermatology |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=255-7 |year=2007 |doi=10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00392.x}}</ref> | The diagnosis of a boil is typically based on its appearance. In some cases, a sample of the pus may be sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Diluvio |first=L |title=Microbiological evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity in children with atopic dermatitis |journal=Pediatric Dermatology |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=255-7 |year=2007 |doi=10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00392.x}}</ref> | ||
[[File:Bluttschwier--w.jpg|thumb|Bluttschwier--w]] | [[File:Bluttschwier--w.jpg|left|thumb|Bluttschwier--w]] | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for boils primarily involves relief of discomfort and protection of surrounding skin. Warm compresses can aid in the healing process by increasing blood circulation and promoting the formation of antibodies and white blood cells to fight the infection. If a boil doesn't drain on its own or is located in a sensitive area (like the face, spine, groin, or armpit), a healthcare provider may need to surgically open it. Antibiotics are generally reserved for extensive or recurrent infections or those that have spread to other areas.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Saravolatz |first=LD |title=Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis and treatment |journal=Postgraduate Medicine |volume=82 |issue=3 |pages=69-78 |year=1987 |doi=10.1080/00325481.1987.11699898}}</ref> | Treatment for boils primarily involves relief of discomfort and protection of surrounding skin. Warm compresses can aid in the healing process by increasing blood circulation and promoting the formation of antibodies and white blood cells to fight the infection. If a boil doesn't drain on its own or is located in a sensitive area (like the face, spine, groin, or armpit), a healthcare provider may need to surgically open it. Antibiotics are generally reserved for extensive or recurrent infections or those that have spread to other areas.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Saravolatz |first=LD |title=Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis and treatment |journal=Postgraduate Medicine |volume=82 |issue=3 |pages=69-78 |year=1987 |doi=10.1080/00325481.1987.11699898}}</ref> | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Preventing boils is largely a matter of good hygiene and self-care. This includes regularly washing with antibacterial soap, avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or razors, keeping skin cuts and abrasions clean and covered until they're healed, and maintaining a healthy immune system through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kluytmans |first=J |title=Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: current perspectives |journal=Clinical Microbiology and Infection |volume=14 |issue=12 |pages=1132-1139 |year=2008 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02616.x}}</ref> | Preventing boils is largely a matter of good hygiene and self-care. This includes regularly washing with antibacterial soap, avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or razors, keeping skin cuts and abrasions clean and covered until they're healed, and maintaining a healthy immune system through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Kluytmans |first=J |title=Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: current perspectives |journal=Clinical Microbiology and Infection |volume=14 |issue=12 |pages=1132-1139 |year=2008 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02616.x}}</ref> | ||
==Complications== | ==Complications== | ||
While most boils can be treated at home, some can lead to serious complications. If left untreated or not properly cared for, boils can spread to surrounding tissues (cellulitis), cause an infection in the bloodstream ([[sepsis]]), or lead to the formation of an abscess.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stevens |first=DL |title=Severe group A streptococcal infections associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome and scarlet fever toxin A |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=321 |issue=1 |pages=1-7 |year=1989 |doi=10.1056/NEJM198907063210101}}</ref> | While most boils can be treated at home, some can lead to serious complications. If left untreated or not properly cared for, boils can spread to surrounding tissues (cellulitis), cause an infection in the bloodstream ([[sepsis]]), or lead to the formation of an abscess.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Stevens |first=DL |title=Severe group A streptococcal infections associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome and scarlet fever toxin A |journal=New England Journal of Medicine |volume=321 |issue=1 |pages=1-7 |year=1989 |doi=10.1056/NEJM198907063210101}}</ref> | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Skin abscess]] | * [[Skin abscess]] | ||
* [[Staphylococcal infections]] | * [[Staphylococcal infections]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:23, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Boil | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Furuncle |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Redness, pain, swelling, pus |
| Complications | Abscess, sepsis, scarring |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Days to weeks |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus |
| Risks | Poor hygiene, diabetes, weakened immune system |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, culture |
| Differential diagnosis | Cyst, carbuncle, folliculitis |
| Prevention | Good hygiene, antiseptic measures |
| Treatment | Incision and drainage, antibiotics |
| Medication | Antibiotics such as dicloxacillin, cephalexin |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
A boil, also known as a furuncle, is a common, painful skin condition characterized by the inflammation of a hair follicle, leading to an infected, pus-filled bump on the skin.<ref>Usatine, RP,
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, American Family Physician, 2015, Vol. 92(Issue: 6), pp. 474-83,</ref> This condition is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
A boil typically begins as a tender, reddened area on the skin that gradually becomes firm, hard, and more sensitive. Over time, the center of the boil softens and fills with pus that eventually forms a head that can be surgically opened or may spontaneously drain.<ref>Leppard, BJ,
The surgical management of boils, British Journal of Clinical Practice, 1986, Vol. 40(Issue: 5), pp. 192-3,</ref>
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of a boil is an infection of a hair follicle by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, although other bacteria and fungi can also cause boils. These infections occur when bacteria enter the skin through a hair follicle or a small cut or scratch.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of a boil is typically based on its appearance. In some cases, a sample of the pus may be sent to a laboratory to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection and to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.<ref>Diluvio, L,
Microbiological evaluation and antibiotic sensitivity in children with atopic dermatitis, Pediatric Dermatology, 2007, Vol. 24(Issue: 3), pp. 255-7, DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2007.00392.x,</ref>
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for boils primarily involves relief of discomfort and protection of surrounding skin. Warm compresses can aid in the healing process by increasing blood circulation and promoting the formation of antibodies and white blood cells to fight the infection. If a boil doesn't drain on its own or is located in a sensitive area (like the face, spine, groin, or armpit), a healthcare provider may need to surgically open it. Antibiotics are generally reserved for extensive or recurrent infections or those that have spread to other areas.<ref>Saravolatz, LD,
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnosis and treatment, Postgraduate Medicine, 1987, Vol. 82(Issue: 3), pp. 69-78, DOI: 10.1080/00325481.1987.11699898,</ref>
Prevention[edit]
Preventing boils is largely a matter of good hygiene and self-care. This includes regularly washing with antibacterial soap, avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or razors, keeping skin cuts and abrasions clean and covered until they're healed, and maintaining a healthy immune system through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.<ref>Kluytmans, J,
Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: current perspectives, Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2008, Vol. 14(Issue: 12), pp. 1132-1139, DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02616.x,</ref>
Complications[edit]
While most boils can be treated at home, some can lead to serious complications. If left untreated or not properly cared for, boils can spread to surrounding tissues (cellulitis), cause an infection in the bloodstream (sepsis), or lead to the formation of an abscess.<ref>Stevens, DL,
Severe group A streptococcal infections associated with a toxic shock-like syndrome and scarlet fever toxin A, New England Journal of Medicine, 1989, Vol. 321(Issue: 1), pp. 1-7, DOI: 10.1056/NEJM198907063210101,</ref>
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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