Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Dermatology Center Coronavirus Update
Menu
  • Home
  • Coronavirus Update
  • Staff
  • Our Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Portal
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education
    • What is a Dermatologist?
    • Anatomy of the Skin
    • Skin Care Topics
    • Skin Conditions
    • Skin Growths
    • Skin Infections
    • Cosmetic Treatments

812-944-7500

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Skin Infections >
  • Boils

Boils

  • Created in Skin Infections

Also known as skin abscesses, boils form as a result of a cut or break in the skin, which leads to a bacterial infection. They are characterized as a red, tender area with a painful, pus-filled center that can open spontaneously or by surgical incision. Some boils are caused by ingrown hair. Others are caused by plugged-up sweat glands, such as some types of cystic acne. Anyone can get a boil. They grow quickly and are usually painful until they drain. However, left alone a boil will naturally come to a head and burst open, allowing the pus to drain and the skin to heal. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to boils than the general population.

Boils tend to occur on parts of the body that have hair or sweat glands and are exposed to friction, typically on the face, neck, armpits or buttocks. There are a variety of different types of boils:


Furuncle or Carbuncle. These abscesses are caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. A furuncle is an individual boil; carbuncles are deep clusters of boils that most often form on the back of the neck, shoulders or thighs.


Pilonidal Cyst
. An infected hair follicle around the buttocks area caused by long periods of sitting. Pilonidal cysts almost always require medical treatment.


Hidredenitis Suppurativa
. These are multiple abscesses that form from blocked sweat glands in the armpits or groin areas.

Cystic Acne. These boils are situated more deeply into skin tissue than the more superficial forms of acne. It typically occurs among teenagers.

Boils respond well to home remedies. To promote healing, apply heat to the boil in the form of hot soaks or compresses. Keep the area clean, apply over-the-counter antibiotics and then cover with gauze. Do not puncture or squeeze the boil because it can lead to further infection. If the boil does not go away within two weeks, is accompanied by a fever or is painful, contact your dermatologist. The doctor will clean, lance and drain the boil and prescribe an antibiotic to alleviate the infection.

  • What is a Dermatologist?
  • Anatomy of the Skin
  • Skin Care Topics
  • Skin Conditions
  • Skin Growths
  • Skin Infections
  • Cosmetic Treatments

Dermatology Center

Call Us Today

812-944-7500

Location
Online Payment Link
  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map