Skin Abscesses or Boils

Skin abscesses are otherwise known as boils, which are an infection of an area of the skin. There are many different types of boils.

Faruncle or carbuncle boils are abscesses caused by the bacterium ‘staphylococcus aureus’ which may be associated with fever; hidradenitis suppurativa boils are when abscesses form under the armpits or in the groin, in the sweat glands, which usually requires surgery; cystic acne forms when oil ducts become clogged and it is most common in teenage years, and pilonidal cysts occur in the crease of the buttocks which frequently form after prolonged periods of sitting.

There are many different causes for boils ranging from splinters, to ingrown hairs. They are also caused by plugged sweat glands, as in acne.

What is the treatment for a boil?

Most boils will not require professional attention and can be treated at home, as soon as the boil has started to develop. Treatment can involve application of heat to the area of the boil which allows the body to fight the infection better, due to increased blood flow.

If the boil becomes soft and forms a head it will be ready to drain. Many boils will drain on their own, or larger boils may need to be drained by a professional. Sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight off infection, though they are not always needed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If a patient who has an underlying condition develops a boil it should be checked out, especially in conditions which cause weakening of the immune system. It may also be a good idea to discuss your boil with a professional if you are on medication that may affect its recovery. If boils do not improve quickly they should also be checked by a professional.