See All Skin Problems Boils Boils - Topic Overview What are boils? A boil is a red, swollen, painful bump under the skin. It often looks like an overgrown pimple. Boils are often caused by infected hair follicles. Bacteria from the infection form an abscess, or pocket of pus. A boil can become large and cause severe pain. Boils most often happen where there is hair and rubbing. The face, neck, armpits, breasts, groin, and buttocks are common sites. How do you treat a boil? You can sometimes care for a boil at home. Do not squeeze, scratch, drain, or open the boil. Squeezing can push the infection deeper into the skin. Gently wash the area with soap and water 2 times a day. Dry it well. Put warm, wet cloths on the boil for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. Do this as soon as you notice a boil. The heat and moisture can help the boil to open and drain, but it may take 5 to 7 days. A warm compress or waterproof heating pad placed over a damp towel may also help. Keep using heat for 3 days after the boil opens. Put a bandage on it so the drainage does not spread. Change the bandage every day. If the boil is draining on its own, let it drain. Keep cleaning it twice a day with soap and water. To help keep the infection from spreading, do not share towels and washcloths with other people.
Posted on: Sun, 01 Sep 2013 14:36:42 +0000
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