10 Boils Symptoms

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Boils and Carbuncles - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 11 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770
• 2. 'Boils.' Nhs.uk, 17 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/
• 3. 'Symptoms of Sepsis.' Nhs.uk, 23 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/

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Commonly caused by a staph infection of the skin, a boil is a condition where a hair follicle becomes infected, leading to an oozing, swollen bump. Boils may be painful and embarrassing, commonly developing under arms and around the groin, but boils resolve with time in most cases.

A person may typically manage a small boil with over-the-counter and home remedies. In rare cases, a boil may be a sign of serious illness, or the infection may spread to other parts of the body. Read on to discover which symptoms are typical, which are signs of trouble and which require an ambulance.¹‘Boils and Carbuncles - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770

A Small, Painful Bump

Boils commonly begin with a small red bump on the skin. This spot may be tender to the touch and may have the appearance of an irritated pimple. The lump may also itch slightly as the infection begins to set in.¹‘Boils and Carbuncles - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 11 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353770

A person may help soothe the bump by pressing a cloth soaked in warm water to the area for about 10 minutes a few times a day. Covering the area with a sterile dressing and washing hands before and after touching the boil may help keep the infection that caused the boil from spreading.²‘Boils.’ Nhs.uk, 17 Oct. 2017, www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/