What are boils?

What are the symptoms of boils?

Symptoms of boils include:

• a red, tender lump with a white or yellow centre
• pain
• feeling unwell and having fevers — this may happen if the boil is large

What are the causes of boils?

Boils are an infection of your skin. They are usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

These bacteria usually live on your skin and in your nose. They do not usually cause infections.

Sometimes the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria infect hair follicles. This can happen if your skin is broken. The infection can spread to other parts of your body. It can also spread to other people.

Anyone can get a boil. You're more at risk if:

• you have close contact with someone who has a staph infection
• you have diabetes
• you have other skin conditions
• you have a weakened immune system

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

• the boil has not healed in 2 weeks
• you keep getting boils
• you have a group of boils

Small boils can usually be managed at home.

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When to seek urgent care

You should see your doctor urgently if:

• the boil is on your face
• the skin around your boil is hot, painful and swollen
• you start to have a fever or feel very unwell
• you have a weakened immune system

How are boils diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose a boil by looking at the skin. The doctor will also check for other signs of infection, such as pain or fever.

If there is pus coming from the boil, your doctor may take a swab. This can help identify the bacteria causing the boil.

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How are boils treated?

The boil will start to heal once the pus is drained out. Sometimes this happens by itself.

Self-care at home

For small boils, you can put a clean, warm compress on the boil. You should do this several times a day. This can help the pus to drain.

It's important not to squeeze or pop boils. This can be very painful. It can also spread the infection to other parts of your body.

Boils should be kept clean and covered. This is important because it will help stop the spread of bacteria to other people.

If your boil can't be covered, do not:

• use spas
• use saunas
• play contact sports

Other treatments for boils

Sometimes your doctor will need to treat the boil. They may need to make a small cut in the boil to help the pus drain. You may need antibiotics.

What are the complications of boils?

Boils do not usually cause complications. However, large boils and carbuncles can leave a scar on the skin.

Sometimes there is a group of boils together. This is called a carbuncle. If you have a carbuncle, you may have a fever and feel unwell. Carbuncles are more likely to need antibiotics.

Cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissue around the carbuncle. It causes swelling and redness. This can sometimes happen if you have a boil. However, it's not common.

Can boils be prevented?

Boils and skin infections can be prevented by:

• washing your hands often with soap
• bathing and showering regularly
• cleaning and covering scratches and cuts
• not scratching scabs
• not sharing towels or personal items like razors

Resources and support

For more information about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of boils see the NSW Health — Boils and skin infections fact sheet.

Call healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.