No. Squeezing or lancing a boil at home can push the infection deeper into the skin, spread bacteria to surrounding areas, and lead to scarring or a more serious infection. Use warm compresses to encourage it to drain naturally. If it is large, very painful, or not coming to a head, a doctor can drain it safely under sterile conditions.

Are boils contagious?

The pus inside a boil contains bacteria that can spread to other people or other parts of your own body through direct contact or shared items such as towels and razors. Keep the boil covered, wash your hands after touching it, and avoid sharing personal items until it has healed. The boil itself is not spread through the air.

Why do I keep getting boils?

Recurrent boils are usually caused by ongoing carriage of staph bacteria on the skin or in the nose, which reinfects follicles. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, skin conditions, obesity, and close contact with a carrier also contribute. Your doctor may swab you and household members, check for diabetes, and prescribe a decolonisation routine with antiseptic washes and nasal ointment.

What is the difference between a boil and a cyst?

A boil is an acute bacterial infection that develops quickly, is painful, red, and warm, and usually resolves within one to three weeks. A cyst is a slow-growing, usually painless sac under the skin that can be present for months or years. Cysts can become infected and then resemble boils, but the underlying lump remains after the infection clears.

DermatologicalICD-10: L02Common; most people experience at least one boil in their lifetime, with recurrent boils affecting a smaller group

Boils

Also known as: Furuncles, Carbuncles, Skin abscess

A boil, or furuncle, is a painful, pus-filled lump that develops when a hair follicle and the surrounding skin become infected, usually with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It starts as a tender red bump that grows over a few days, fills with pus, and typically comes to a head and drains before healing. A cluster of boils joined together under the skin is called a carbuncle and is more serious, often causing fever and leaving a scar. Boils are most common on the face, neck, armpits, buttocks, and thighs, where friction and sweating irritate the skin. Most small boils heal with warm compresses and good hygiene, but larger ones may need to be lanced by a doctor, and antibiotics are sometimes required.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: A firm, painful, red lump on the skin that grows over several days, A white or yellow centre as pus collects, which may burst and drain, Warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the surrounding skin
Main treatments: Warm, moist compresses applied for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day to encourage the boil to come to a head and drain, Keeping the area clean, covering a draining boil with a sterile dressing, and washing hands after contact, Incision and drainage by a doctor for large, deep, or very painful boils; never squeeze a boil yourself
Category: Dermatological · Common; most people experience at least one boil in their lifetime, with recurrent boils affecting a smaller group
See a doctor if: A boil on the face, especially near the nose or eyes, or on the spine

Symptoms

A firm, painful, red lump on the skin that grows over several days

A white or yellow centre as pus collects, which may burst and drain

Warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the surrounding skin

Multiple heads draining pus in the case of a carbuncle

Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell with larger boils or carbuncles

Swollen lymph nodes near the boil

Causes

Infection of a hair follicle by Staphylococcus aureus, which lives harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of many people
Bacteria entering through small cuts, shaving nicks, or friction-damaged skin
Blocked or irritated hair follicles from tight clothing, sweating, or ingrown hairs
Spread from an existing skin infection such as folliculitis or impetigo
Infection with MRSA, a strain resistant to common antibiotics

Risk Factors

Close contact with someone who has a staph infection
Diabetes, which impairs the body's ability to fight infection
Weakened immune system, including from medications
Skin conditions such as eczema or acne that damage the skin barrier
Obesity, poor hygiene, or living in crowded conditions
Carrying staph bacteria in the nose, which is linked to recurrent boils

Diagnosis

Examination of the boil and surrounding skin; the diagnosis is usually obvious
A swab of the pus for culture if the boil is recurrent, severe, or MRSA is suspected
Blood or urine tests to check for diabetes in people with recurrent boils
Nasal swab to check for staph carriage in recurrent cases

Treatment

Warm, moist compresses applied for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day to encourage the boil to come to a head and drain
Keeping the area clean, covering a draining boil with a sterile dressing, and washing hands after contact
Incision and drainage by a doctor for large, deep, or very painful boils; never squeeze a boil yourself
Oral antibiotics when there is surrounding cellulitis, fever, a carbuncle, facial boils, or an underlying condition such as diabetes
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
Decolonisation treatment (antiseptic body wash and nasal antibiotic ointment) for people with recurrent boils
Supportive: loose, breathable clothing and avoiding shaving over the affected area until healed

Prevention

Wash hands regularly and keep skin clean, especially after exercise
Avoid sharing towels, razors, clothing, and bedding
Clean and cover cuts and grazes promptly
Wear loose clothing in areas prone to friction and sweating
Manage diabetes and other conditions that weaken immunity
Wash towels and bedding in hot water during an outbreak of boils in the household

When to See a Doctor

A boil on the face, especially near the nose or eyes, or on the spine
A boil larger than 5 cm, very painful, or not draining or improving after a week
Fever, chills, red streaks spreading from the boil, or feeling unwell
Recurrent boils, or several boils at once
You have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or a heart valve problem

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Folliculitis

Dermatological

Staphylococcal Infection

Infectious

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)

Infectious

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dermatological

Cellulitis

Infectious

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