by Latoya Wills

Created on: July 26, 2008

Most people would look at a boil on their skin and think they have some kind of aggressive disease and that they were really sick. Actually, for most people that develop boils are otherwise healthy individuals.

Causes- Most people who develop boils are carriers of Staph aureus. No one really knows why but research shows that 10-20% of our population carries Staph. The nostrils, armpits, between the legs, and where the leg meets the buttocks are places were Staph is mainly present on the skin of carriers. From these areas the infection can present itself on different parts of the body due to touching these areas and then touching non-infected areas. Inoculation of Staph usually takes place when someone cuts himself or herself, maybe while shaving, or friction from clothing rubbing on one of the common areas for Staph. People, who are malnourished, have poor hygiene, have diabetes, or weak immune systems are also very susceptible to developing boils frequently.

Symptoms- Boils develop out of the wall of the hair follicle after being inoculated. What the infected person sees in usually a red and pinkish lump on the skin. The lump can seem dense or hard and hurts when touched. It is very common for there to be a bit of an odor coming from the boil. Severe infections may cause fever and swelling of the lymph nodes. The infected person should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Treatment- At home it could helpful to use a warm compress to place gently against the boil. Common rubbing alcohol may also help the area feel better. Also clear the area around the boil of anything that could cause friction and irritate the boil. Boils usually stay for a week then they open and drain one their own. After the boil drains the area should be washed with antibacterial soap and bandaged. When the boil drains, be ready for an unpleasant smell, but a feeling of relief after the pain subsides. When seeking medical help a doctor might prescribe antibiotics but also be prepared incase your doctor wants to have the boil lanced. Lancing is when a doctor makes a small incision to drain out all the fluid inside the boil. However, lancing at home is not recommended, doctors have sterile instruments for safety.

Boils are an unpleasant and pop up without preliminary symptoms. Even though boils can be a pain there predictable in every other way except timing. So when one crops up the same treatment and the same of wait time is all that's needed. Boils no more frightening then the common cold.

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