Apply warm, moist compresses (such as a damp washcloth) several times a day.

If you have a boil, you can do the following: The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if there is a serious infection. Once the fluid and pus drain from the boil or carbuncle, it will heal. In certain cases, a doctor may need to cut into your skin to drain the pus. If left alone, a boil will break and drain on its own over time. This can spread the infection to other parts of your skin. These conditions make it harder for your body to fight infection.Ī boil or carbuncle should never be squeezed or pricked with a pin or sharp object to release the pus and fluid.

You have a weakened immune system, cancer or diabetes.

You have a skin disorder, such as eczema.

Close contact with someone who has a staph infection.

The infection is deeper and more severe than one boil.Īnyone can develop a boil, but certain factors can increase your risk. Carbuncles develop when more than one hair follicle gets infected. The white blood cells build up, along with damaged skin, to form pus. Your body’s immune system responds by sending infection-fighting white blood cells to the area. Bacteria enter your skin through a cut or a hair follicle (the opening in your skin where hair grows out). What causes boils and carbuncles?īoils are usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ( staph infection), but other bacteria and fungi can cause them too. In addition to the symptoms seen with boils, carbuncles may also be associated with fever, chills and fatigue. You can also pass the infection to other people through close contact or by sharing towels or other personal items.Ĭarbuncles are formed when multiple boils cluster together and form an area of infection.

Might spread to other areas: The bacteria that caused the boil can spread to other parts of your body.

May “weep” or crust over: The boil may ooze pus as your body fights the infection.

Has a yellow or white center (similar to a pimple): The skin around the center (“head”) is red and shiny.

Grows in size: It usually starts smaller than a pencil eraser.

Fills with pus: It may feel squishy or firm.Becomes painful: The area is sensitive, and it may itch before the boil forms.It usually starts out as a tender, swollen red bump. A boil develops over a few hours or days.

Is it good that my boil burst