by Nicole Evans M.D.

Created on: September 07, 2008   Last Updated: April 03, 2011

A boil is a localized bacterial infection deep in the skin.  A boil usually starts with the sudden appearance of a painful pink or red bump. Boils are generally one inch or less in diameter, but the skin surrounding the boil may also become red and swollen. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard.

Eventually, the center of the boil softens and becomes filled with infection-fighting white blood cells that the body sends from the blood stream to stop the infection. This collection of white blood cells, bacteria, and proteins is known as pus. Within a few days, the reddened bump fills with pus. The boil grows larger and more painful for about five to seven days, before it develops a yellow-white tip that finally ruptures and drains.

Furuncles or carbuncles are boils caused by the specific bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, including community-acquired MRSA. A furuncle can have one or more openings onto the skin and may be associated with a fever or chills. Staph aureus can enter through a cut, scratch, or other break in the skin. These bacteria normally inhabit the skin and sometimes the throat and nasal passages.

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that often occurs on the back of the neck, shoulders, or thighs, especially in older men. Carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection than single boils do and sometimes occur with a fever. In addition, carbuncles develop and heal more slowly and are likely to leave a scar.

Most boils run their course within four to ten days and can be treated at home without invasive therapies. Follow the steps below as soon as a boil is noticed:

1. Use hot soaks or compresses on the boil several times daily.  Use either method below depending on where the boil is located:

*For boils on the hand, lower arms or feet:

-Soak the area in hot water mixed with Epsom salts

-Make sure the water is hot, but not so hot that it burns the skin

-Repeat 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes each time

*For boils on all other areas:

-Soak a wash cloth in Epsom salts

-Heat and hold the hot, wet wash cloth over the area

-Repeat 4-5 times a day for 10-15 minutes each time

2. Take zinc as soon as you notice a boil starting to form:

Zinc can boost wound healing and improve immune function.  Begin taking zinc at a dose of 10 to 40mg per day for 3 to 4 weeks (unless you are on immune suppressants).  A clinical study showed that supplemental zinc prevented recurrence of boils. You may need to discontinue zinc if your doctor prescribes an antibiotic so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

3. Know when to see a doctor for your boils:

*For boils accompanied by fever or with red lines radiating from it, see a doctor. Your physician may prescribe an antibiotic to eliminate the infection.

*For boils that become very large or have not healed in 2 weeks,see a doctor. Your physician may surgically open and drain the area.

4. Prevent future boils:

You can help prevent future boils from forming by cleansing small cuts or wounds thoroughly, avoiding tight clothing and never self-lancing or squeezing a boil (this may only spread the infection).

Boils can be painful and bothersome pockets of infection in the skin.  However, using the steps above, most individuals will be able to treat their boils at home and prevent their recurrence.

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