Boils and carbuncles Symptoms

Signs and symptoms
... A boil usually appears suddenly as a painful pink or red bump about 1/2 inch in diameter. The surrounding skin may also be red and swollen. Within 24 hours, the bump fills with pus. It grows larger an...

Causes
... Boils usually form when one or more hair follicles — the tube-shaped shafts from which hair grows — become infected with staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). These bacteria, which norma...

Boils and carbuncles Prevention

Prevention
... Although it''s not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a compromised immune system, the following measures may help you avoid staph infections: Thoroughly clean even small cuts an...

Boils and carbuncles Treatment

Complications
... In some cases, bacteria from a boil can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. The spreading infection, commonly known as blood poisoning (septicemia), can rapidly become life-...

Treatment
... Your doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by making a small incision in the tip. This relieves pain, speeds recovery and helps lessen scarring. Deep infections that can''t be completely cleared ...